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Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

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FEBRUARY 2017

EASY WAYS FAMILIES CAN UNPLUG AND GET MOVING

SUPER BODY, SUPER MIND SUPER SPIRIT! WHY DIRT AND GERMS ARE HEALTHY FOR KIDS

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JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 11 SEE PAGE 29 FOR SUPER FUN DETAILS!

School vacation week, one-day workshops

Tuesday-Friday February 21-24, 2017

Tell

Ages 3-17

Me a

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Let your child's imagination run wild with colors, shapes and more inspired by the exhibition

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Choose from a wide array of two and four hour workshops for youth and teens.

Lunch and extended day available.

Images © Ed Emberley, used by permission.

2 FEBRUARY2017

Do you know how to

love your heart?

Join Us for February Heart Health Events at Saint Vincent Hospital GO RED DAY FOR WOMEN! Friday, February 3rd• 12:00pm

Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. With education and action, 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented. Saint Vincent Hospital is proud to support and partner with the American Heart Association to promote healthy heart practices, and raise awareness about heart disease. Join us, dressed in red, on Friday, February 3rd for Go Red for Women day at 12:00 sharp for our annual heart photo in the Atrium at Saint Vincent Hospital!

HEALTHY HEART FAIR

Thursday, February 24th • 11:00am -1:00pm

Saint Vincent Hospital along with Saint Vincent Medical Group and Reliant Medical Group will be providing information on heart health and services offered at Saint Vincent Hospital. Learn about our TAVR program, see a Health Cooking demonstration, get your blood pressure checked, and meet some local organizations that are raising awareness about heart health. Join us for our annual Healthy Heart Fair on Friday, February 24th.

HEALTHY HEART LECTURE SERIES

February 8th • 12:00pm-1:00pm • Conference Room 5 North Healthy Heart Decisions For Women of All Ages Michele Hadley, DO

Are you interested in discovering the best ways to stay heart healthy? Dr. Michele Hadley will discuss heart healthy habits that will benefit women of all ages. Whether you’re 18 or 80, it’s never too late to start making better decisions for your heart!

February 15th • 12:00pm-1:00pm • Conference Room 5 North Manage Stress…Don’t Be Managed By It Paul Roland, RN, MSN

Do you feel like there is too much stress in your life? Would you like to reduce it?

Paul Roland, RN, MSN will provide you with some tools to assist you in better managing the stress…so that it doesn’t manage you.

February 28th • 12:00pm-1:00pm • Conference Room 5 North Advances in the Treatment of Advanced Valvular and Structural Heart Diseases Joseph Hannan, MD

Dr. Hannan will discuss the advances in treatment for people suffering from heart disease.

Some of these advances include the TAVR procedure which is being performed on patients who are at intermediate or high risk for open heart surgery. Other procedures include the Mitraclip, Mitral Valve repair for mitral regurgitation.

For more information, please visit www.stvincenthospital.com/heartmonth or call 844-556-2825

BAYSTATEPARENT 3

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table of contents FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 21

4

1.

NUMBER10

things we learned

in every issue MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

the february issue

11 12 13

ASK THE EXPERT: The Truth Behind ‘Growing Pains’

while making

Microbes are microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that are with us from birth. New research finds that the majority of microbes are not harmful and, actually, offer real health benefits when children are exposed to them within the first five years of life.

Head to page 42 and learn why dirt and germs are good for kids, and why parents should give hand sanitizer a rest in many situations.

3.

2.

If you’re behind a desk most of the week, you won’t be surprised to hear that sitting is quite bad for your health. Sitting for long periods can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic disease, muscular imbalances, organ damage, and musculoskeletal issues. Turn to page 46, where you will learn simple chair yoga poses that will keep your blood flowing, mind active, and body healthy.

Remember Mom and Dad telling you aches at bedtime were just “growing pains”? It turns out, they were wrong — there’s no such phenomenon, and growing does not cause pain. On page13, discover the everyday cause behind the aches and how you can help give your children some relief.

4.

The National Sleep Foundation says that 30% of preschoolers don’t get enough sleep. On page 47, learn the signs of an exhausted child, the main cause (which may surprise you), and the easy, but critical, fix.

14

ADD TO CART: Our favorite February product picks

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE: Tiny Tool Can Help Kids Who Fidget

15

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Area adoption events

15

FEBRUARY’S CHILD: Meet Jaylana

17 20

DIVORCE & CO-PARENTING: Co-Parenting 101

54 58

REEL LIFE WITH JANE: February’s top family movie releases

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO: February Calendar Of Family Events

TAKE 8: Kay A. Haring Writes Picture Book Biography of her Iconic Artist Brother

JOIN US ONLINE! facebook.com/baystateparent Twitter @baystateparent

owner and publisher KIRK DAVIS associate publisher KATHY REAL kreal@baystateparent.com CREATIVE

editor in chief MELISSA SHAW editor@baystateparent.com creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER pethier@holdenlandmark.com senior graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD design@baystateparent.com

ADVERTISING

director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com account executives KATHY PUFFER 508-865-7070 ext. 211 kathy@baystateparent.com SHAUNA WHARTON 508-963-7154 shauna@baystateparent.com JUDITH NEEDELL-MINTZ 508-494-5868 JudithNeedell@me.com

22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527 • 508-865-7070

BAYSTATEPARENT 9

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Features 52 53

EcoTarium Brings New Exhibit Home With ‘City Science’ Cannes for Kids: Providence Children’s Film Festival is an Outing for the Whole Family

Ripe 18

Bites: A New Way to Make Popcorn; Tap Water Filtration for Family-Sized Needs; What Does ‘FDA-Approved’ Mean For Food-Related Products?; The Best Ways to Battle Mold In Your Bathroom

34

How Mindfulness Can Yield a More Calm, Relaxed Family Life

36

Easy Ways Families Can Unplug, Get Up, and Get Moving

39

Simple Steps to Tune Up Your Nutrition

40

How the Move to Whole Plant Foods Benefits Families

42

Why Dirt and Germs Are Good for Kids

44

6 Tips for a Healthy Winter with the Whole Family

46

Working Moms: How to Improve Your Health and Happiness at Your Desk

47

How to Spot — and Fix — Exhaustion in Children

What does #MCU mean to you?

This month’s cover model: Tyler, 5 Shawna Shenette Photography

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FEBRUARY CONTRIBUTORS Jane Boursaw is the film critic and editor-in-chief of ReelLifeWithJane. com. Her reviews and work have been published in Family Circle, Parade, New York Times, Variety, People, and more.

Mary Brown, M.D., is a pediatrician at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center and an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.

Laurie Hollman, Ph.D. is a psychoanalyst with specialized clinical training in infantparent, child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy. Her new book, Unlocking Parental Intelligence: Finding Meaning in Your Child’s Behavior, promotes a new parenting mindset that helps adults learn what their kids think, want, intend and feel. To learn more, visit lauriehollmanphd.com.

Alex L. Khan is a multimedia reporter and writer based in New York.

Alyssa Koomas is a project manager for Healthy Kids Out of School at ChildObesity180.

Based at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, ChildObesity180 (childobesity180.org) unites national leaders from the private, public, nonprofit, and academic sectors committed to developing, measuring, and implementing evidence-based solutions to reverse the alarming epidemic of childhood obesity in America.

Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates teacher and author of Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier

You (HarperCollins, January 2017). She can also be found at kristinmcgee.com.

Dr. Lynn PantuoscoHensch is an associate professor in the Movement Science department at Westfield State University, teaching motor development, exercise science, and other sportrelated courses. She is the mother of four boys and lives with her family in Longmeadow.

Michelle PerrasCharron is a freelance writer and mother to four school-aged boys in Western Mass. A Navy brat and also the wife of a retired Air Force Captain.

She loves writing about people and all topics related to parenting. She also enjoys running and a strong cup of coffee.

Attorney Irwin M. Pollack is founder and lead attorney of Pollack Law Group, P.C. (PollackLawGroup. com) and a divorced father himself. He shares insights and information about co-parenting on his weekly radio talk show, Talking About Divorce, which can be heard weekends on WRKO in Boston (AM 680), WTAG in Worcester (AM 580/94.9 FM), WXTK on the Cape (95.1 FM), and WHYN in Springfield (AM 560).

Tom Quinn is a reporter with Worcester Magazine.

You can find more of his work at worcestermagazine.com.

Martha Ruch is the owner of Simply Delicious Personal Chef Service, helping busy families come together at the dinner table since 2007. Find pictures, recipes, cooking tips and more at simplydeliciouschef.com; on Facebook @ SimplyDeliciousPersonalChefService; and on Twitter @chefmartha

Open House

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BAYSTATEPARENT 11

add to CART The coolest stuff we found online this month

Encourage imagination and creativity for ages 3 and up with Props in a Box. Each set comes in a fabric storage case and includes assorted props for two characters and a 55” x 42” backdrop. Boxes come in four themes: The Princess & The Chef, The Dino & The Pirate, The Doctor & The Farmer, and The Fisherman & The Astronaut. $59.99. propsinabox.com.

If you’re in the market for new earphones, check out the mk5 Isolator from Etymotic.

Lightweight and lowprofile, these in-ear earphones fit comfortably under hats and helmets and are ideal for commuting, travel, and sporting activities.

They offer rich sound and tune out ambient noise. The company also offers its ETY•Kids Safe-Listening Earphones, engineered not to exceed safe sound output levels.

By controlling the maximum

output, parents don’t have to worry about monitoring the volume on a child’s device. $59 (mk5 Isolator); $39 (ETY•Kids). etymotic.com.

Legendary designer Todd Oldham’s Kid Made Modern movement offers a series of cool hands-on activity kits and products designed to get children creating. With the Woven Notebook Kit, kids can create custom weaving patterns onto the front of a chipboard notebook, the cover to a 70-sheet notebook featuring rainbow printed lines.

Drawing fans will love the Giant Crazy Crayon, which features 64 colors smushed into one 8” long by 1” wide crayon. And budding architects will love the Modern House Kit, where they can build walls and decorate all surfaces of their personalized wooden pad with sticker wallpapers and floor coverings, acrylic paints, brushes, glue, and more. $14.99 (Woven Notebook Kit); $6.99 (Giant Crazy Crayon); $39.99 (Modern House Kit). kidmademodern.com.

Give kids a head start on their financial future with Moonjar: A new take on old-fashioned piggy banks, Moonjar is divided into three colorful containers labeled Save, Spend, and Share. It teaches children how to portion out their money so no container is left empty. Moonjar makes accompanying books and Conversations To Go to get more families talking with their children and educating them about money. $25. moonjar.com.

Make sitting more fun — and healthy — with these active sitting products from yoga and fitness leader Gaiam. The Stay-N-Play Ball and Classic Balance Ball Chair are recommended for children ages 5-7, encouraging healthy posture and improving focus.

The Balance Cushion Jr., for ages 5-12, turns any chair into an active seat, helping kids get the wiggles out and practice healthy posture. $19.98 (Kids StayN-Play Ball); $69.98 Kids Classic Balance Ball Chair; $19.98 (Kids Balance Cushion Jr.). gaiam.com.

12 FEBRUARY2017

ASK THE EXPERT

The Truth Behind ‘Growing Pains’

BY DR. MARY BROWN

Several times a month, my 9-year-old complains of uncomfortable leg aches (but not pain) at bedtime. I’ve been telling her they’re “growing pains,” but it makes me wonder — what exactly are growing pains? Are there any signs I should look for to ensure it’s nothing more serious? How long do these go on for?

W

e can all remember our parents telling us, “Oh, those are growing pains,” and many of us have said the same to our own children any number of times.

But I am here to tell you that these pains have nothing to do with growth, per se. There is no actual pain that goes along with growing. More often than not, these pains children often feel — for what seems like no reason — are really pains related to muscle

aches due to activity. Kids are active. They can spend a day running around with no regard to the effect it is having on their bodies. Then, hours later the activity stops, their bodies rest, and aches and pains set in. Just as adults get muscle aches, pains, and soreness from a strenuous workout or increased activity — kids do, too.

What many refer to as “growing pains” are more about movement than growth. Even during a growth spurt, children aren’t growing fast enough to cause pain. But these aches and pains come, and for children, they are

unexpected. In many cases, these aches and pains come at the end of the day — and in just as many instances, they are gone by the morning. However, we never want to ignore any child if they are complaining of pain.

A simple rule to follow is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. If it seems necessary, you can give your children ibuprofen or Tylenol to help them, but it may not be needed. I always advise following the RICE rule first. That being said, if the pain doesn’t get better with time — or if it worsens — you should contact your child’s pediatrician.

Additionally, if the area is red or swelling, you feel any lumps, they are limping from the pain, or are increasingly unable to participate in regular activities, also consult their pediatrician.

You know your child best, if their pain or discomfort level seems abnormal or concerning, always reach out to their doctor and have them checked.

Mary Brown, M.D., is a pediatrician at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center and an assistant professor at Tufts It’s winter in New England, University School of Medicine.

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VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Tiny Tool Can Help Kids Who Fidget

BY TOM QUINN

W

hen a child goes off to college, some parents turn the old bedroom into an office or home gym. When his daughter went to Holy Cross, Jerry Snee Jr. outfitted her room with two 3D printers, a workman’s bench, and a high-powered computer, and turned it into the headquarters for his business venture.

He now refers to the room as the “Squidget Cave.”

Squidget, to oversimplify the concept, is a handheld cube with attachments on all six sides. Features like a pen clicker, a button spinner, and a pencil roller simulate common fidgeting habits, allowing users to discretely release stress and focus without distracting others with noise or ruining writing utensils or jackets. It is useful for anyone who has problems focusing without fidgeting, but Snee notes it would be especially helpful to individuals with autism, attention deficit disorders, or similar conditions.

“This isn’t a toy,” Snee, a Holy Cross graduate still living in Worcester, said. “We’re not in this to rake in a bunch of money and then sell out to a toy company … this is a mission for us.”

Snee said he found out in his 40s he has “off-the-scale” attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That

means Squidget is not just business for him — it’s personal.

“I know what these kids go through,” Snee said, before quoting from the company’s vision statement. “The real goal is to give them the tools to allow them to properly reclaim what too often has been a lost sense of self-esteem and dignity.”

Snee isn’t alone in getting something out of the Squidget. He has provided it to friends, he said, who have made use of it while on phone calls or in the office. More importantly, Squidgets have been distributed to students at various levels of schooling, especially in special education departments, and Snee said he has seen firsthand the positive impact the device has on someone who may struggle with concentration or simply sitting still. The company also provided 50 college students with prototypes. The students then took a survey that showed the company how people use its product.

It also showed Snee and his son, Sean — a City of Worcester engineer who does computer-aided design work and production for Squidget in his off hours — some problems with their design. Namely, the college kids were able to snap off attachments, as the product was too fragile. That led to a redesign, and the attachments are now nearly impossible to break, with about 50 pounds of pressure

needed to snap pieces off the device, Snee said. Prototypes are churned out by 3D printers — which were part of a five-figure investment by both Snees — but the final product will be manufactured using injection molding, resulting in a stronger cube.

That incident might have only required some minor tinkering from the younger Snee, who estimated he spends 10 to 15 hours per week on the company, and together with his dad makes up the only design and production employees of Squidget.

Other setbacks have had more of an impact — a failed crowdfunding effort in 2014 being the most prominent, with only about $5,400 in pledges made. That was followed by a campaign by a separate group for a “fidget cube,” which raised $6 million on a similar concept with what Snee concedes is more marketing savvy.

That doesn’t get the Squidgeters down, though.

“We’re the little engine that will,” Snee said. “I was devastated by that failure … it took me a long time to get over that. But we just kept going. And when I saw this campaign, I had some tough days. And Sean would say, ‘Dad, we’ve got to keep going. We’ve got the better product, and we’ve got the better team.’”

Things are looking up for the Squidget team, though. A patent for the product is nearing the approval stage of the process, and they are actively involved in marketing and promotion, with another crowdfunding campaign scheduled in a few months — on a different website. The company is also drawing up paperwork to be a “benefit corporation,” a designation that means it retains its for-profit status while still focusing on philanthropy and doing good in the community.

“Our vision is to provide substantial benefit to people,” Snee said. “So we’re pricing this so that no person will be without it. We’ve designed it to be affordable.”

Each Squidget retails for just under $17 and can be purchased at squidgetinc.com. Snee said there would be substantial discounts and deals for large orders, such as those made by schools. The company can also be found at facebook.com/ GetSquidget/.

Snee has grand visions for where the company is going — he’s the strategic end of things, he noted at one point, delegating the tactical side of the operation to Sean. For things like manufacturing and shipping, he wants to “walk the walk,” insisting on paying people high wages and treating them well. He emphasized the Worcester-centric nature of his “eight-year overnight success,” saying Squidget was looking into collaborating with the community he lives in to make the company work.

Snee has a vision where he hires the Seven Hills Foundation’s employment program to send out the gadgets to local schools and programs, creating a local base that can scale nationally or internationally.

“We’re really building communities of committed people,” Snee said.

“We’ve got our heart and soul in this.”

Reprinted with permission from an earlier issue of Worcester Magazine (worcestermag.com).

“We’re not in this to rake in a bunch of money and then sell out to a toy company … this is a mission for us.”

— Jerry Snee Jr. Squidget co-founder

We’re Here to Help Our commitment lasts a lifetime. Whether your loved one with special needs is an adult or a child, we can help with: • Special Needs Planning • Guardianship & Alternatives • Transition Planning & Adult Services • Advocacy Frederick M. Misilo, Jr., Esq. 508.459.8059 fmisilo@fletchertilton.com

Art by Dominic Killiany, an artist living with autism 14 FEBRUARY2017

We’re here to help.

WORCESTER | FRAMINGHAM | CA P E CO D | www.fletchertilton.com

FINALLY FOREVER

February’s Child: Jaylana

This sweet 8 ½-year-old girl loves to laugh! Of Caucasian descent, Jaylana is a fairly outgoing girl with a great sense of humor. She likes dolls and playing on her tablet. She is very considerate of other people’s feelings and relates well to others.

Jaylana does well in school with the support of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). She currently

lives in a group home setting with her biological brother. She is very attached to her group home staff and spends as much time as she can interacting and playing with her brother. Jaylana also is very attached to her biological mother, as well as her other siblings who are in care across the state. She is receiving therapeutic services to help process her trauma and losses.

Legally free for adoption, Jaylana would do well in any type of preadoptive home, with or without other children. The family should be open to maintaining contact with her other siblings in care, as well as with her biological mother.

For more information regarding Jaylana, please contact Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Eileen Griffin at 978-353-3629. The Worcester DCF Office hosts monthly informational meetings on the second Wednesday of each month for those wishing to learn more about the adoption process in general. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 8 from 6-7 p.m. The DCF Adoption Development & Licensing Unit’s Office is located at 13 Sudbury St. in Worcester. Please call (508) 929-2143 to register and for specifics about parking. In case of inclement weather, please call to verify the meeting is still taking place.

Circle of Friends Thursday, Feb. 3: Southern Region Adoption Info Meeting, Canton Police Department Conference Room, 1492 Washington St., Canton. 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

RSVP: (508) 894-3830.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: Western Region Adoption Info Meeting — Department of Children and Families, 140 High St., 5th Floor, Springfield. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

(413) 452-3369.

stephanie.frankel@state.ma.us.

Wednesday, Feb. 8: Central Region Adoption Info Meeting — ADLU Worcester. 13 Sudbury St., Worcester. 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

(508) 929-2413.

Wednesday, Feb. 15: Boston Region Adoption Info Meeting, DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

617-989-9209.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: Northern Region Adoption Info Meeting, Jordan’s Furniture: 50 Walkers Brook Dr., IMAX Conference Room, Reading.

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Stephanie Frankel, ADLU supervisor:

Thursday, Feb. 16: Southern Region Adoption Info Meeting, Morton Hospital, 88 Washington St., Margaret Stone Conference Room, Taunton. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. RSVP: (508) 894-3830.

If your group or organization is presenting a program for adoptive families, and you would like to include it in baystateparent magazine, please send information to editor@baystateparent.com

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16 FEBRUARY2017

DIVORCE & SINGLE PARENTING

Co-parenting 101

BY ATTY. IRWIN POLLACK

I

f you’re newly separated or divorced, one of the biggest challenges you now face is the successful co-parenting of your children. Your marriage may be over, but your roles as Mom or Dad never end. You still need to provide daily care for your children and make decisions about their lives.

Co-parenting isn’t easy, especially if you’re still feeling angry or hurt about the breakup. You need to set aside your feelings and focus on the business of raising your child. Treat it like a business relationship. You don’t need to be friends with your former spouse, but you do need to communicate and cooperate to make sure your children receive the love, guidance, and support they need.

Two key ingredients for successful co-parenting: Acknowledge that your children need and want both parents in their lives.

Just because you and your former spouse split up, that doesn’t mean your children wanted a divorce from either parent. Childhood and family

experts agree that children need the love and attention of both parents, especially after divorce. Respect and support your child’s relationship with his or her other parent. Don’t criticize your former spouse or his/ her parenting style in front of your children. Do keep the other parent informed about and involved in your child’s life.

Agree to put your children’s needs first at all times.

All decisions regarding your children should be based on what’s in their best interest, not yours or your former spouse’s. This is true when deciding which parent your children will live with, as well as the parenting schedule, requests for changes in the schedule, and all major decisions involving your children. Try to maintain similar routines, such as bedtimes and family rules, in both households. Don’t put your children in the middle of disputes — keep them out of parenting issues and decisions.

Communication and cooperation are also critical for successful co-parenting. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open, especially to

help prevent your child from playing one parent against the other. If your child says something about the other parent that concerns you, don’t just assume it to be true. Instead, raise the issue with the other parent in a non-accusatory manner. Also keep the other parent informed of major life changes that could affect your child, including a move, new relationship, job, etc. This shows your child that both parents are on the same page.

Explore new worlds...

Seven tips for communicating as coparents: 1. Be respectful and courteous.

2. Keep the conversation focused on your children, not 8thwhatever Annualissues you may have had/still have with your former spouse.

Molly Monster

3. Make requests, not demands.

4. If you have a problem or issue, schedule a time to talk with the other parent so you can discuss it without your child being present.

5. Be flexible and willing to negotiate changes in plans or routines.

6. If you can’t talk without fighting, find another way to communicate, such as email or text.

7. Seek professional help if you can’t resolve major issues. Family law attorneys, parent coordinators, family therapists, and other professionals may be able to help you work things out.

Co-parenting can be challenging, but your children will appreciate your efforts now and in the future.

Providence Children’s

Film Festival

Explore new worlds…

Phantom Boy

Feb 17-26, 2017

Brothers of the Wind

Blanca

Kids Flix Mix

films + workshops + presentations

Sonita

FESTIVAL INFORMATION AT:

www.pcffri.org

June Rock well Le Funders: vy Foundation EntelcoCharitable Foundation Thank you to our major Carter Family Trust, Entelco Foundation, Hasbro Inc., June Rockwell Levy Foundation, Providence Tourism Council, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) The Carter Family Charitable Trust

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

Tap Water Filtration for Family-Sized Needs If you’re looking for tap water filtration that can hang in for the long haul with family-level consumption, check out the Aquagear Filter Pitcher. The five-stage filter lasts for 150 gallons, meaning users only need two a year. The company says Aquagear removes 2,000% more contaminants than competitors, yet keeps healthy trace minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water, which other filters may strip out. The pitcher is backed with a lifetime replacement guarantee if it ever breaks, and the company donates 6 months of clean water to those in need in Tanzania, Cameroon, and Uganda for every filter sold. $69.95. goaquagear.com.

Bites

A New Way to Make Popcorn Make delicious popcorn in your microwave in its own reusable bowl with Chef’n’s PopTop Popcorn Popper. Made of high heat-resistant silicone, PopTop unfolds as kernels pop, turning it into a dishwasher-safe bowl holding up to 10 cups of popcorn in just a couple of minutes. PopTop doesn’t require oil or butter to pop the kernels, but you can add either before you pop for a seasoned treat. $19.99. chefn.com.

Battling Mold In Your Bathroom

BY LESLIE REICHERT Even the cleanest bathroom has an ongoing battle with mold and mildew. Mold loves dark, moist areas, and a bathroom is a perfect home. There are thousands of different types of mold — some more dangerous than others. Mold can give off toxins, but most are just growing organisms that can destroy walls and tile grout. Mold is a living fungus that reproduces when it has enough water, and it uses the surface that it’s growing on for its food. Mold on a drywall ceiling is breaking down and destroying the drywall. Here are a few simple tricks and a DIY recipe that can keep mold from growing in your bathroom.

Ventilate Make sure you ventilate the room as much as possible, because without moisture mold can’t grow. You want to run your ceiling fan for at least 15 minutes after the steam has disappeared from the bathroom mirror. Moisture stays in the air long after you can see it, so let the fan run the entire time you are getting ready in the morning.

Fresh air Keep the window open slightly so you have continual fresh air. The fresh air will help the damp surfaces dry faster.

Towels Hang wet towels outside of the bathroom. Wet towels can take up to 24 hours to dry and create unwanted extra moisture in the bathroom.

Surfaces Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth, including surfaces in your shower and sink area.

This will help everything dry faster and stop mold in its tracks. Make sure to take the damp microfiber cloth out of the bathroom when you are done.

18 FEBRUARY2017

Bath mats Hang wet bath mats and area rugs outside of the shower area. When you step out of the shower you are dripping wet and all that water ends up on a bath mat or carpet. This carpet can take days to completely dry. Hang them outside of the shower area so they can dry completely Squeegee Use a squeegee to remove water on the shower walls and glass doors. This will not only stop the mold but also keep your shower clean. People who squeegee their shower almost never have to clean it.

Daily Spray Make up a daily mold and mildew spray by placing vodka or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle with 20 drops of tea tree essential oil.. The alcohol will evaporate very quickly and the tea tree oil will work to kill the mold and mold spores. You can spray this mixture on tile grout and drywall daily to stop the growth of mold in your shower area. It’s great to use on textured ceilings that are difficult to wipe down.

Shower curtain Shake out your shower curtain- Shower curtains are a breeding ground for mold. The moisture in the pleats of the curtain are perfect spots for mold to grow. By shaking out the curtain you are removing all the excess moisture and helping it to dry faster. Remember to keep the curtain completely drawn once you are done in the shower.

By doing even some of these simple tips, you can keep mold and mildew at bay in your bathroom.

What does ‘FDA-Approved’ Mean For Food-Related Products?

Perhaps you saw those words on a company’s website, or in a commercial promoting a new product. Some marketers may say their products are “FDA approved,” but how can you know for sure what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves?

The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by regulating human drugs and biologics, animal drugs, medical devices, tobacco products, food (including animal food), cosmetics, and electronic products that emit radiation.

But not all those products undergo premarket approval — that is, a review of safety and effectiveness by FDA experts and agency approval before a product can be marketed. Here are some examples of what the agency does (and doesn’t) approve.

The FDA approves color additives used in FDA-regulated products.

This includes those used in food (including animal food), dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, and some medical devices. These color additives (except coal-tar hair dyes) are subject by law to approval by the agency, and each must be used only in compliance with its approved uses, specifications, and restrictions. In the approval process, FDA evaluates safety data to ensure that a color additive is safe for its intended purposes.

The FDA doesn’t approve infant formula.

The FDA does not approve infant formulas before they can be marketed. But manufacturers of infant formula are subject to the agency’s regulatory oversight.

Manufacturers must ensure that infant formula complies with federal nutrient requirements.

Manufacturers must register with the FDA and provide the agency with a notification before marketing a new formula. The FDA conducts yearly inspections of all facilities that manufacture infant formula and collects and analyzes product samples. The agency also inspects new facilities. If FDA officials determine that an infant formula presents a risk to human health, the manufacturer of the for-

mula must conduct a recall.

The FDA doesn’t approve the food label, including the Nutrition Facts panel.

The FDA does not approve individual food labels before food products can be marketed. But FDA regulations require nutrition information to appear on most foods, including dietary supplements. Also, any claims on food products must be truthful and not misleading, and must comply with any regulatory requirements for the type of claim.

The FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements.

Unlike new drugs, dietary supplements are not reviewed and approved by the agency based on their safety and effectiveness.

When public health concerns arise about a dietary supplement after the product is on the market, the FDA evaluates the product’s safety through research and adverse event monitoring.

The FDA doesn’t approve tobacco products.

There’s no such thing as a safe tobacco product, so the FDA’s safe and effective standard for evaluating medical products is not appropriate for tobacco products.

Instead, it regulates tobacco products based on a public health standard that considers the product’s risks to the population as a whole.

To legally sell or distribute a new tobacco product in the United States, manufacturers must receive a written order from FDA. A marketing order does not indicate that the tobacco product is either safe or “approved.” It means that the manufacturer has complied with the requirements under the law to bring its product to market.

The FDA does not approve cosmetics.

Examples of cosmetics include perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations. Cosmetic products and ingredients, and their labeling, do not require FDA approval before they go on the market. There’s one exception: color additives (other than coal-tar hair dyes). Cosmetics must be safe for their intended use and properly labeled.

DIY: Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters Why settle for the same old flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day? Instead, deliver a bouquet of flavor with delicious Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters. Packed with texture and taste — sweet, salty, creamy, smooth — this easyto make confection is sure to delight your sweetheart’s senses.

And, because they’re made with popcorn — a healthful whole grain (fiber) naturally low in fat — these treats are one indulgence with a heart-healthy core. Put them in a pretty patterned tin or wrap them in wax paper and tuck them in a gift bag.

This recipe also makes a great after-school project for kids.

Just make sure an adult supervises the microwave, and young chefs will have a blast cooking up some love. If allergies are an issue, simply omit the walnuts.

Best of all, you can whip up a batch in just 15 minutes.

Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters Makes: about 3 dozen Preparation time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 bag (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 4 cups popped popcorn 1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 3/4 cup chopped walnuts Directions: 1. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in microwave on High 1 minute, until melted. Stir in oil.

2. Place popcorn, marshmallows, and walnuts in large bowl.

Pour chocolate over mixture, tossing to coat.

3. Drop mixture by tablespoonful onto wax paper-lined jellyroll pan.

4. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.

For more simple and tasty popcorn recipes, visit popcorn.org

baystateparent’s

KidsCon & CAMP EXPO

SAVE THE DATE Sat., Feb. 11, 2017 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough

This event is a one stop resource of all things kids.

Sponsored By

See page 29 for more information.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

GO TINKER Take Aparts, Jr. The Discovery Museums, Acton.

Feb. 9.

20 FEBRUARY2017

KidsCon & CAMP EXPO

Photo by Troy Thompson, courtesy of Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Your one stop resource for all things kids.

Courtesy of Blue Man Group

Courtesy of The Discovery Museums

GO JAM Toe Jam Puppet Band. baystateparent’s KidsCon & Camp Expo.

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, Marlborough. Feb. 11.

baystateparent’s

GO BLUE Blue Man Group School Vacation Week.

The Charles Playhouse, Boston. Feb. 18-26.

GO EXPLORE Science Sprouts.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston.

Feb. 25.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

1 Wednesday

MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination.

Although we’ve done our best to ensure accuracy at press time, things can and do change.

Family Tour at WAM. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m.11 a.m. Explore the Worcester Art Museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided discovery tour, featuring facts, stories, and time together. Free. worcesterart.org.

Infancy to Independence Waltham Open House. First Lutheran Church, 6 Eddy St., Waltham. 9:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. A parent-run playground for families with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in Waltham and the surrounding communities, where we take the pressures of home away and provide a rich and varied environment for parents and students.

Free. Open house also held on Feb. 2. walthamplaygroup.org.

Families @ WAM Make Art. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11 a.m.11:30 a.m. Drop in for some fun, intergenerational time in our galleries, where we provide the materials and the inspiration. Free. worcesterart.org.

ARTfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Engage with art, stories, materials, nature, and new friends during a unique multisensory activity. Recommended for children ages 2 to 5. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, children 12 and under free. deCordova.org.

Chinese New Year Celebration and Art Exhibit. Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, 2468 Washington St., Canton. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Celebrate the Chinese New Year through do-it-yourself colorful red and gold Chinese lanterns and enjoy the scenic gardens of the Bradley Estate partially inspired by China. Members free; nonmember adults $5, children free. thetrustees.org.

Raising Boys in the Digital Age. Fessenden School, Performing Arts Center, 250 Waltham St., Newton. 7 p.m. Dr. Anthony Rao explores the unchartered territory of managing a child’s activity and education in the digital age through an upbeat but candid conversation. Register ahead.

Free. fessenden.org/rao17.

2 Thursday Groundhog Day. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fun winter activities help celebrate this festive day. Ms. G the groundhog arrives at 10 a.m. to deliver her official forecast for Massachusetts. Free. massaudubon.org.

Groundhog Day Shadow Play. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Regardless of whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow today, we will have plenty of shadows to experiment with at the museum. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Courtesy Feld Entertainment

Stroller Tours at WAM. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. A museum teacher engages with caretakers, infants, and toddlers with arts and stories in the galleries. Tea, coffee, juice, and snacks follow the tour. Designed for up to age 3.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, under age 4 free. worcesterart.org.

GO CHEER Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart. TD Garden, Boston.

Feb. 17-26.

Groundhogs. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy, Sharon. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. A special craft, plenty of fun games, and activities celebrate this fantastically predictive animal. For ages 4 to 6.

Register ahead. Members $9, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

Poke’palooza Poke’mon Party. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Bring your cards, phones, 3DS, or just yourself and join in on this celebration featuring Poke’mon crafts, games, and food for all ages. Free. mywpl.org.

3 Friday Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Explore sound through singing and playing. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout from this trained musician and educator. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Book Bugs on the Farm: Woolbur. Chestnut Hill Farm, 9-99 Chestnut Hill Rd., Southborough.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Bring your little bug to the farm for an interactive storytime as we read this story of a very special sheep, before having a small snack and a fiber project using felt and yarn. For ages 3 to 5. Registration encouraged.

Member children $9, nonmember children $5, adults free. thetrustees.org.

First Friday Nights Free. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Explore the museum at night, as we accept food donations for Open Table of Concord and Maynard and the Acton Food Pantry. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

Farm Sledding after Dark. Chestnut Hill Farm, 9-99 Chestnut Hill Rd., Southborough.

5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Join us for some evening sledding, a warm snack, drinks, and a craft option.

Register ahead. Members $5, nonmembers $10. thetrustees.org.

4 Saturday World’s End Winter Photo-Blitz. World’s End, 250 Martins Ln., Hingham. 7 a.m.4 p.m. Explore the beauty of this special coastal landscape during the fantastic wintry season and seashore. Free. thetrustees.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with free admission all day long. Explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art and traditions while enjoying activities, demonstrations, and performances throughout the day. Free. mfa.org.

Josh and the Jamtones. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline.

10:30 a.m. This award-winning nationally touring “Kindie” band travels to the Coolidge, using infectious jams that will get crowds of any ages moving their bodies, laughing out loud, and singing. Adults $13, children $10. coolidge.org.

Stonework Play. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Use your sense to explore the unique weight, form, and texture of a variety of stones, as you are inspired by their natural qualities and stretch your imagination to create forms, pictures, and stories that are as one-of-a-kind as your stones. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, ages under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Winterlude. Rocky Woods, Rocky Woods Reservation Entrance, Medfield. 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Weather permitting, come as we bring back the beloved traditions of Rocky Woods, including hot cocoa, winter treats, music, games, and more.

Members $5, nonmembers $10. thetrustees.org.

Bob Marley Birthday Bash. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

1 p.m.-5 pm. Celebrate the life and music of Robert Nesta Marley with some of Worcester’s best singers, performers, poets, and more. Free. mywpl.org.

Capturing Feathers, Fur, and Scales with Pencil and Paper. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 2 p.m.3:30 p.m. Look closely at a variety of specimens in the classroom and galleries that have feathers, fur, and scales, and learn how to capture these different animals and textures on paper using realistic drawing techniques. Recommended for ages 9 to 13. Register ahead. Members $25, nonmembers $35. hmnh.harvard.edu.

Especially for Me: Free Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join in all the fun and explore both museums during this special evening for families with children on the autism spectrum, with dinner provided. Register ahead.

Free. discoverymuseums.org.

ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal: Night One. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 7 p.m. Watch top collegiate groups from the Northeast region compete for the title of International Champions through the Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella tournament. Tickets $20 and up. berklee.edu.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

5 Sunday

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Make a MESS: Papermaking. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.4:30 p.m. Explore the science of papermaking as Tinker Tuesday: Paper Drop. The Discovery you sculpt and squish recycled paper pulp into new Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. usable paper, and take a piece home. Free with Drop in and twirl, kerplunk, flutter, and bounce admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, paper as it falls to the ground, and explore and children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. create a variety of differently shaped pieces of

7 Tuesday

Nature and Nurture with Miss Bernadette. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Explore the great outdoors, as we sing songs, take a nature walk, read a story, or make a craft. Designed for ages 2 to 4. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Arms + Armor Demonstrations. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn all about different kinds of arms and armor used by knights and soldiers, from Rome to Medieval Europe and beyond. Sundays and Saturdays. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, under age 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Tap a Tree. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy, Sharon. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Help support our maple sugaring operation by adopting a tree. Design a label to place on a tree and then find one to tap to start creating your own bottle of syrup. For ages 4 to 16. Register ahead. Member adults $40, nonmember adults $50, children free. massaudubon.org.

6 Monday Kiddie Music Time with Monument Square Community Music School. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.11 a.m. A music and movement class featuring classic and original music, songs, percussion instruments, and dance. Recommended for ages 5 and under. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

MFA Playdates. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15 a.m.11:15 a.m. Bring your toddler for story time and looking activities in the galleries followed by art-making, as we look into the theme “round about.” Recommended for ages 4 and under.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, ages 7 to 17 $10, children 6 and under free. mfa.org.

paper to see how each falls. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Especially for Me: Sensory Friendly Afternoons. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Explore the entire campus at your own pace, with quiet spaces available, and exhibit accessibility support.

Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

Teen Tuesday. Weir River Farm, 227 East St., Hingham. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. A time for teens to volunteer at the farm, from feeding the animals to painting to weeding and much more. Free. thetrustees.org.

Wreck the Tech: Tinkerlab. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

4 p.m.-5 p.m. Disassemble old computer towers, phones, remote controls, calculators, DVD players, and more, as you take engineering into your own hands, with snacks provided. For ages 9 and up. Tuesdays. Free. mywpl.org.

Family Fun Night: Full STEAM Ahead.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Look into money matters and the basics of financial literacy as we read “Lemonade in Winter” and build wooden banks. Recommended for ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Take Aparts, Jr. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Check out what’s happening in everyday electronics, as we deconstruct household gadgets and gizmos. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

8 Wednesday Snow Art. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy, Sharon. 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Create several art projects, from cutting a flurry of snowflakes to painting a wintery scene to creating a nonmeltable snowman. For ages 4 to 6. Register ahead. Members $9, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

Nature Adventures. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Join us for a handson nature program as we explore nature topics using investigations, crafts, and activities. For ages 5 to 7. Register ahead. Member children $9, nonmember children $13, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Winter Coats. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Explore the farm and sanctuary in winter, as we feed hay to the sheep, search for eggs in our hen house, and make a winter “tweet” for the birds. For ages up to 6. Register ahead. Members $12.50, nonmembers $15.50. massaudubon.org.

10 Friday

UMass Memorial Medical Center and New England Prenatal and Family Education offer classes for expecting women, new moms, their families and support persons.

Call 1-855-366-5221 or visit www.umassmemorial.org/healthymoms

Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in and join us for handson educational activities about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Experience the unique substance known as oobleck and sink your hands into some kinetic sand. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

9 Thursday

Pigs and Blankets. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Explore pigs and blankets, taking care of the sheep as well as make a wee little blanket to take home. For ages up to 6. Register ahead. Members $12.50, nonmembers $15.50. massaudubon.org.

Looking for parenting support?

Preschool Story and Nature Hour: Volcanoes. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Enjoy an hour of nature themed fun with your youngster, as we read an engaging storybook, make a craft, and walk on one of the sanctuary’s beautiful trails. For ages 2 to 5. Register ahead. Member children $2.50, nonmember children $3.50, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Our City Block Party. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 6 p.m.8 p.m. Come together we make a happening scene on the streets of the Boston Black exhibit, as you enjoy music, dance, art, stories, and play. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $1, ages under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

The Wonder of Worlds End: Full Moon Hike. World’s End, 250 Martins Ln., Hingham.

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Enjoy World’s End as it comes alive at night with wildlife, during this time to enjoy a unique hiking experience on a full moon hike.

Register ahead. Member adults $5, nonmember adults $10, children free. thetrustees.org.

Family Dinner Night. KITCHEN at Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

6 p.m.-8 p.m. We partner with The Family Dinner Project to create meals using simple, seasonal, and local ingredients, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Registration encouraged. Member adults $24, children $12; nonmember adults $30, children $15. thetrustees.org.

Friday Fun with Mr. Kim. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton.

10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. A fantastic music and movement program for preschoolers. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

11 Saturday Art in the Park. World’s End, 250 Martins Ln.,

LEARN – TO – SKATE CLASSES RECREATIONAL • FIGURE • HOCKEY SKATING SKILLS

BAY STATE SKATING SCHOOL CHILDREN ages 4 1/2-18

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781-890-8480

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Brookline Cambridge Medford Newton/Brighton Quincy Somerville South Boston Waltham West Roxbury Weymouth

Hingham. 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Explore the theme of art and nature with a craft or activity that celebrates the beauty of World’s End, through fish print T-shirts, snow sculptures, terrarium making, and more. Member children $9, nonmember children $15. thetrustees.org.

Shadow Boxes. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Build a nature-inspired shadow box with your child using natural objects, vintage ephemera, and collage. For ages 10 and up. Register ahead.

Member pairs $25, nonmember pairs $45. towerhillbg.org.

Sweetie Valentine’s Day Party. Blanchard Memorial School, 493 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Families are welcome to come and enjoy crafts, activities, photo booth, music, and refreshments. Free for Acton-Boxborough Family Network members, all adults, and children under 1; nonmembers $3 per child with a $10 family max.

Wayne Potash’s Rock and Roll Party PreRelease Concert. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Wayne and his band will be performing a special interactive rock-and-roll show for families with young children in this run-up to the release of his latest album. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $13, children $10. coolidge.org.

you are

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Hutch Winter Fun. Governor Hutchinson’s act that engages kids and creates memorable Field, Adams St., Milton. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and fun sing-alongs songs. Adults $10, children Revel in the winter season through sledding, ani$8. natickarts.org. mal tracking, and hot chocolate on the beautiful field. Register ahead. Members free, nonmemMaple Tree Tap-A-Thon. Chestnut Hill Farm, bers $3. thetrustees.org.

9-99 Chestnut Hill Rd., Southborough.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. A hands-on workshop about tapSweets for the Tweets. Stony Brook Wildlife ping trees for sap and syrup. Explore different Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. 10:30 a.m.tapping techniques and work together to get 12:30 p.m. Make valentines for the birds by takthe maples flowing. Registration encouraged. ing seeds, dried fruits, popcorn, and other deliMembers $9, nonmembers $15. thetrustees.org. cious items to hang in the trees here or at home.

For ages 5 to 16. Register ahead. Members $8, Wild Animals in Your Neighborhood. The nonmembers $10. massaudubon.org.

Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a unique opportunity to see baystateparent KidsCon & Camp Expo. native animals up close with a trained naturalist Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel from the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, including & Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road W., handling natural history artifacts. Free with Marlborough. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy enteradmission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, tainment, giveaways, music, and more, and children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. get the latest info from top summer camps and family exhibitors! Groove to the Toe Jam Valentine Day Cookies: Little Cupids.

Puppet Band! Build in the Legoland Discovery Powisset Farm, 37 Powisset St., Dover.

Center Boston Lounge! Meet members of 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Little cupids gather in the kitchen 501st New England Garrison from the Star to make and decorate shortbread Valentines Wars universe. Magic, face painting, balloon Day cookies with icing and other fun decoratwisting, puppets, and much more. Kids free. tion. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Register $5 per adult. Tickets sold at the door. ahead. Members $24, nonmembers $30. thetbaystateparent.com/kidscon. rustees.org.

Stacey Peasley Band. TCAN: Center for Arts, Ellis Paul Benefit Concert. Scottish Rite 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Stacey comMasonic Museum, 33 Marrett Rd., Lexington. bines her love of children and music into a lively

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2 p.m. Ellis Paul, winner of 15 Boston Music Awards, performs music spanning his career, including selections from his Parents’ Choice Award-winning albums, to benefit the Tremont School of Lexington. $25-$76. tremontconcert.org.

Full Love at the Farm. Weir River Farm, 227 East St., Hingham. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join us for a fun, romantic evening for families or friends, as we enjoy live music, Valentines kids’ craft card making, and more. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register ahead. Member adults $24, nonmember adults $30. thetrustees.org.

Full Moon Owl Prowl for Families.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Come with the whole family to learn about owl calls, behavior and habitat as we search and listen for our resident screech, barred, and great horned owls. For ages 6 to 16. Register ahead. Member adults $13, children $7; nonmember adults $15, children $9. massaudubon.org.

Full Moon Owl Prowl. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Join us on the hillside and trails of the Fruitlands Museum to learn about wintertime nocturnal animals, and how to call in the owls, with hot chocolate and a warm fire to set us off. Register ahead. Member adults $5, nonmember adults $10, children free. fruitlands.org.

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! ages 5 and up. Register ahead. Member adults $8, children $4; nonmember adults $10, children $6. massaudubon.org.

Heart Smart. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart healthy activities, from testing heart rates, to learning about the anatomy of the heart. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Live Concert with Boston City Singers.

Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. Enjoy as the Boston City Singers bring their mission to train and inspire musicians, students, and ambassadors by providing the highest level of musical instruction centered around diversity. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

GO THROW The Airborne Comedians.

Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline. Feb. 19.

12 Sunday

International Guitar Night. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m. A cast of guitar luminaries from around the world highlight the diversity of the acoustic guitar during this 17th year of touring. Members $26, nonmembers $28. natickarts.org.

Snowshoeing for Families. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. If you can walk, you can snowshoe, so come as we teach you how to use snowshoes before hitting the trails. For

Snowshoe Walk or Winter Hike. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Explore the sanctuary with your family before warming up with hot chocolate and fire-roasted marshmallows. For ages 7 and up. Register ahead. Member adults $7, children $4; nonmember adults $9, children $5. massaudubon.org.

Family Fun Day: Happy Hearts. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

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1 p.m.-4 p.m. Join this family craft program as we choose from various designs of pop-up cards and gifts and greetings. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember ages 5 and up $5, under 5 free. fruitlands.org.

13 Monday Messy Monday. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate children’s creativity and innovation with an open invitation to make a mess with projects such as shaving cream painting and wood sculpture. Mondays. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $16, ages under 1 free. bostonchildrensmusem.org.

14 Tuesday Make a MESS: Paint Plops. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Create a unique Valentine’s Day artwork by plopping and pressing paint to make a one-of-a-kind heart to keep or gift to someone special. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Tasty Tuesday. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy light healthy snacks, read stories, play games, and discuss topic health and wellness. Free with

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Valentine’s Day: Simply Engineered.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in and make a pop-up card or two, using some simple paper engineering and your creativity to make one-of-a-kind Valentines to share with family and friends. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Owl Always Love Ewe. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Visit the sheep at the farm and make some wooly valentines and learn to woo someone special through an owl-inspired love song. For ages up to 8. Register ahead.

Members $12.50, nonmembers $15.50. massaudubon.org.

15 Wednesday Preschool Story Hour: Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of story, activity, and a naturalistled walk. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead.

Member children $3, nonmember children $4, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Garden Discovery. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Explore seasonal themes through crafts, storytelling, and a short walk during this exploration of the Botanic Garden in winter.

Recommended for ages 3 to 5. Register ahead.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $12, ages 6 to 18 $7, under age 5 free. towerhillbg.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Great Hill Exploration. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 p.m. Explore some of the trails that wind through the wooded 184 acres along the museum with museum staff. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Library Craft Night: Winter Friends.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Come read Snow and Winter, Winter, Cold and Snow before making a snowy fox and penguin in the library. For ages 3 to 6. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

16 Thursday Doggy Days: Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop in as we prepare to surprise the dogs at the Buddy Dog Humane Society shelter, by helping craft

some cozy dog beds, donate dog food and supplies, and meet with Therapy Dog Abby. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Littlest Sailor: Preschool & Family Program.

USS Constitution Ship and Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown. 10 a.m.11 a.m. Bring your littlest sailors along for songs, stories, and playtime as we explore the typical diet of an 1812 Constitution sailor. Free. ussconstitutionmuseum.org.

GIVING NEW MEANING TO THE

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17 Friday Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity on this week’s weather either in Discovery Woods or out on the conservation land adjacent to the Museums. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Preschool Story and Nature Hour: Dinosaurs. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Enjoy an hour of naturethemed fun with your youngster, as we read an engaging storybook, make a craft to take home, and walk on one of the sanctuary’s beautiful trails. For ages 2 to 5. Register ahead. Member children $2.50, nonmember children $3.50, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Kids on Ice: Costume Skate. Rocky Woods, Rocky Woods Reservation Entrance, Medfield.

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Celebrate the history of Rocky Woods by showing off your best costume on the ice, as we provide music and lights, hot chocolate, and warm snacks. Register ahead. Members $9, nonmembers $15. thetrustees.org.

Our wide novice runs, intermediate cruisers, and narrow steeps spread over 1,000+ acres of terrain serve up plenty of joy for all levels of skiers and riders! Mix in plenty of snowman building, tube sliding, hot chocolate sipping, and snowflake catching — and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect family vacation.

Families fall in love with Winter at Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont.

Your family will, too!

Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart.

TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 7 p.m.

Join all of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters from Frozen, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Inside Out, and more as they collaborate and make unforgettable memories for you to take home. Through the Feb. 27. $24.50-$94.50. tdgarden.com.

Pajama Party in PlaySpace. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

7:30 p.m. Toddlers and their families are invited to drop in and wear their pajamas to the Museum on Friday night. Join us for games, songs, and picture stories. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $1, ages under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

18 Saturday Families in the Farm Kitchen: Bread and Butter. Appleton Farms, 219 County Rd., Ipswich. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Make homemade

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FEBRUARY 20-24

Fun and Games Week School vacation activites including family performances, giant board games, hands-on science and art activities, and more.

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Dr. Seuss Birthday Pajama Party Seuss cakes and decorations, dance party, magic show, costume characters, art and science activities and much more!

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! The Boston Children’s Theater Presents: rolls and top them with freshly made Jersey butter, as we learn about how our cows turn green Curious George and the Golden Meatball. grass to creamy, nutritious milk. Recommended Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. for ages 4 to 7. Register ahead. Member children 4 p.m. Join the fun-loving little monkey Curious $9, nonmember children $15. thetrustees.org.

George as he helps his friend Chef Pisghetti cook the most delicious meatballs. See what happens Beyond the Spectrum: The Evolution when Curious George enters the meatballs in the of Toys. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.

Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Recommended for ages up to 7. Through Feb. Travel back in history to a time when children’s 26. $15-$25. regenttheatre.com. toys were a little simpler, and made of materials like clay, wood, and tin. Create your own toy ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal: Night Two. using recycled materials during this adventure Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts in art for children on the Autism Spectrum. For Ave., Boston. 7 p.m. A second night featurages 8 to 12. $9. mfa.org. ing the top collegiate regional groups in their attempts to become International Champions Tully Lake Winter Camp Out. Tully Lake through the International Championship of Campground, 25 Doane Hill Rd., Royalston.

Collegiate A Cappella. $20-$30. berklee.edu.

11 a.m. Come out to Tully Lake for this year’s winter camp out as we learn important skills to make winter camping fun, including trying your hand at winter fire making, snow shelter building, animal tracking, outdoor cooking, and Backyard and Beyond: Backyard Birding. plenty of campfire activities. Members $15, nonThe Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. members $25. thetrustees.org.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop in to learn a little bit

19 Sunday

Be An Engineer. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate National Engineers Week through funfilled activity stations with members of the Society of Women Engineers. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Family Friendly Winter Animal Tracking.

Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, 2468 Washington St., Canton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come dressed for winter as we go tracking with field guides and notebooks to figure out what we have encountered. For ages 10 and up. Members free, nonmembers $5. thetrustees.org.

Winter Hiking Clinic with JUMP. Fruitlands Museums, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Hit the trails with educators from Just Understand My Potential and learn critical cold weather hiking and survival skills while enjoying nature. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers ages 5 and up $5, under 5 free. fruiltands.org.

26 FEBRUARY2017

The Airborne Comedians. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Watch Dan Foley and Joel Harris throw and catch birdbaths, lawn chairs, electric guitars, and baseball bats during this hilarious routine as they are balanced atop 6- and 7-foot high unicycles.

Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $13, children $10. coolidge.org.

Everyday Engineering: Cup Towers.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Challenge yourself to build a one-of-a-kind tower made entirely out of cups.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Farm Felting. Appleton Farms, 219 County Rd., Ipswich. 2 p.m. Learn about the time-honored tradition of wool felting, as we make felt balls used for farm-fun necklaces. Recommended for ages 5 to 9. Register ahead. Member children $9, nonmember children $15, adults free. thetrustees.org.

Ed Emberley’s Book Week. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11 a.m.5 p.m. Celebrate 60 years of imaginative picture book illustrations, as you explore Ed Emberley’s exhibition at the Worcester Art Museum and discover great books and project ideas with your family. Through Feb. 25. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, under age 4 free. worcesterart.org.

What Do Snowmen Do at Night? Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, 2468 Washington St., Canton. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. We’ll read Caralyn and Mark Beuhner’s Snowmen at Night and find out what happens when we all fall asleep, then check if there are right by bringing flashlights and cocoa to investigation outside. Members free; nonmembers $5. thetrustees.org.

Family Snowshoe Walk. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 1 p.m.2 p.m. Explore the quiet world of winter in our gardens and trails, with snowshoes provided if needed. Register ahead. Member families $10, nonmember families $20 and general admission. towerhillbg.org.

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about bird identification and then see how many birds you can see or hear in Discovery Woods, by partaking in this version of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Boston Area Chantey and Maritime Sing.

USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown. 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Listen, learn, and lift your voices, as you participate in your maritime heritage by joining in a rousing chorus of sea chanteys. Free. ussconstitutionmuseum.org.

20 Monday Morningstar Access. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 8 a.m.10 a.m. Enjoy this morning specially designed to provide children with special needs the opportunity to visit the museum at a time when there are only a few other visitors. Register ahead. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Farm Inspired Crafts for Kids. Appleton Farms, 219 County Rd., Ipswich. 9:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. Join us in the farmhouse for a craft making party, as we use the winter landscape for inspiration and have hot chocolate to keep us going. Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Member families $5, nonmember families $10. thetrustees.org.

Yeti Exploration. World’s End, 250 Martins Ln., Hingham. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A guided winter walk where participants will follow elusive Yeti tracks, along with those of deer, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, and more. Register ahead. Members free; nonmembers $6. thetrustees.org.

Everyday Engineering: Straw Structures.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 pm. Explore shapes, structures, and so much more with the help of just straws and pipe cleaners. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Keith Munslow Live. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence. 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. Popular children’s singer and storyteller Keith Munslow entertains families with a lively participatory performance packed with piano tunes, tongue-twisting poems and funny fast-paced rhymes. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Blue Man Group February Vacation Week.

Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

1 p.m. & 4 p.m. Join the Blue Man Group as they host free face painting, special shows, and, as always, entertainment and creativity that the entire family can enjoy. Through Feb. 26. $39$114. blueman.com.

21 Tuesday Everyday Engineering: Indoor Fort Building. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main

St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Deploy clothespins, sheets, and cardboard boxes to construct an ever-changing, room-sized blanket fort. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

February Vacation at ICA: Model Design.

Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Construct small scale architectural models of your own design or participate in our Art Lab installation.

Through Thursday. Free with admission. Member free; nonmember adults $15, ages under 17 free. icaboston.org.

The Hoopoe Show. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence. 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. Enjoy as Hoopoe the hilarious mime gets the audience into the act and dazzles them with silent comedy, eyepopping magic, balloon wizardry, and more.

Recommended for ages 4 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Teen Drawing in the Conservatories. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Observe conservatory plants, discuss plant anatomy, and learn botanical drawing techniques. For ages 13 and up. Register ahead.

Members $20, nonmembers $30. towerhillbg.org.

Tracks and Telltales for Kids. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Hike from the barn to the pine grove, looking for tracks and telltales left behind by the creatures who roam the property, before heading in for hot chocolate. Member adults $9, children $6; nonmember adults $15, children $10. thetrustees.org.

Todd Migliacci: Unforgettable Magic.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy an hour of mind-blowing entertainment from the only magician to perform at Walt Disney World’s Cinderella’s castle, infusing an impressive array of magic tricks and illusions with juggling, escapes, and comedy. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

22 Wednesday Families in the Farm Kitchen: Cheese Making. Appleton Farms, 219 County Rd., Ipswich. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Help our cheesemaker create a batch of fresh farm cheese while we learn about how our cows turn green grass into milk. Recommended for ages 5 to 10. Register ahead. Member children $9, nonmember children $15, adults free. thetrustees.org.

Coding with Minecraft. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.12 p.m. Learn the basics of coding through Minecraft and the Rhode Island Computer Museum. For ages 8 to 12. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

GO IMAGINE Ed Emberley’s Book Week.

Worcester Art Museum. Feb. 19-25.

Make Way for Animals: February Vacation. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Enjoy extended hours at the Museum of Fine Arts as we explore the mythical creatures and real animals that can be found on our walls, and create an animal art inspired piece of work. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, ages under 17 free. mfa.org.

ahead. Member children $5, nonmember children $10, adults free. fruitlands.org.

Bright Star Touring Theater: Black History Hall of Fame. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston.

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This fast-paced performance honors African American Heritage Month, as you meet over a dozen groundbreakers and hall-of-famers who have contributed to shaping our nation’s past, present, and future. Register ahead. Free. jfklibrary.org.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy Dr. Seuss stories, crafts, and goodie bags during this celebration of one of the best and well-loved children book authors.

Recommended for up to age 7. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Everyday Engineering: SailMobiles. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Construct and create with repurposed and recycled materials a vehicle that is part car and part sailboat. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Mad Science: Fire and Ice. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence.

11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. Experience mesmerizing science experiments during a mind-bending interactive show that introduces children to the scientific method, air pressure, and the states of matter. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Snowglobe Making. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Bring the outdoor winter wonderland indoors by making your very own snowglobe. Register

Magic the Gathering Casual Play. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Join us for this opportunity to learn the game, or bust out your best cards and strategies to battle it out at the library. For ages 13 to 17. Free. mywpl.org.

West Side Story. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 7:30 p.m.

Berklee Musical Theater Club presents this classic story riffing on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Repeats on Thursday. Advance $12, day-of $17. berklee.edu.

23 Thursday Imagination Playground. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Invent your own ways to play by stacking and building with huge foam blocks, wheels, spools, tubes, and a variety of loose parts. Through Feb. 24. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Slice and Dice: Pizza and Board Games.

Powisset Farm, Powisett St., Dover. 11 a.m.1 p.m. Enjoy a fun-filled day of pizza making, eating, and board games, where you are welcome to bring your own. Register ahead. Members $15, nonmembers $25. thetrustees.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 27

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

Courtesy Providence Children’s Museum

A program blending math, science, nature, and art exploration through the botanical research at the garden. For children pre-K to age 6. Register ahead. Members $12, nonmembers $25. towerhillbg.org.

GO MAD Mad Science: Fire and Ice. Providence Children’s Museum. Feb. 22

Everyday Engineering: Balls and Ramps.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Design, build, and test out some simple tracks and mini-rollercoasters through tubing and cardboard. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Winter’s Past: Surviving or Thriving.

Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Tour the winter exhibit in the art gallery and explore life of winter’s past through a hands-on art making activity. Register ahead. Member children free; nonmember children $5, adults free. fruitlands.org.

Winter Wander. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich. 1 p.m.3:30 p.m. Take an easy rambling walk that will take you along the Cedar Point Trail to Steep Hill beach, before we warm up with hot chocolate and a campfire. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Register ahead. Member adults $9, children $6; nonmember adults $15, children $10. thetrustees.org.

24 Friday Flower Arranging for Kids. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Enjoy a step-by-step lesson on how to create beautifully simple floral arrangements. For ages 9 and up. Register ahead. Members $32, nonmembers $50. towerhillbg.org.

Everyday Engineering: Bridge Building.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Use everything from pasta to paper to experiment with simple supplies to design and build some sturdy and strong structures. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

28 FEBRUARY2017

Greenhouse Beach Party. Chestnut Hill Farm, Chestnut Hill Rd., Southborough. 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Come down to the farm for a beach party, where there will be tropical drinks, island music, games, snacks, and more. Register ahead.

Members $9, nonmembers $15. thetrustees.org.

Abominable Snowman Tracking. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. We follow tracks and look for clues as we search for the Abominable Snowman along the trails and meadows. Recommended for grades K through 5. Register ahead. Member children $5, nonmember children $10, adults free. fruitlands.org.

Snowman Building Contest. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich. 1 p.m.3 p.m. Roll gigantic snowballs across the rolling hills at the Crane Estate, and enter a contest with multiple categories and enjoy hot chocolate to keep the fun continuing through the afternoon.

Members $5, nonmembers $10. thetrustees.org.

Fandom Friday. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Join us for trivia, crafts, snacks, and games, all centering on your favorite fandoms from comics, anime, BBC, cartoons, and more. For ages 10 to 17. Free. mywpl.org.

Rock Off Main Street. TCAN: Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 7:30 p.m. This all-ages show provides a venue for local teen and young adult bands to take their eclectic music from pop, emo, punk, ska, and indie genres from their basements to the stage. $8. natcikarts.org.

25 Saturday Science Sprouts. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Play Date: Pause, Look, and Listen.

Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take your time looking at contemporary art, then create mixed-media artworks or sketch the wintery Boston Harbor, as you listen to Boston-based composer Aaron Larget-Caplan in a special concert. Members free; nonmember adults $15, youth under 17 free. icaboston.org.

Everyday Engineering: Tinfoil Ferries.

The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Investigate floating by building tinfoil boats and loading them with pennies.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

‘A Child of Books’ Presentation and Signing. Boston Athenæum, 10½ Beacon St., Boston. New York Times best-selling authorillustrator Oliver Jeffers and fine artist Sam Winston present on their collaboratively created picture book, A Child of Books, followed by a book signing. Members $10, nonmembers $15, children under 10 free. Register at bostonathenaeum.org.

The Nature of My Backyard. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Get introduced to some common animals you share space with, such as a fisher, skunk, turtle, fox, or even a flying squirrel. For ages 2 and up. Register ahead.

Member adults $6, children $4; nonmember adults $7, children $5. massaudubon.org.

Snowshoe Clinic with EMS. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Learn the essentials of snowshoeing on the Fruitlands fields. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers ages 5 and up $5, under 5 free. fruitlands.org.

World’s End Winter Warm Up. World’s End, 250 Martins Ln., Hingham. 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

Enjoy a burning campfire, coffee, hot chocolate, entertainment, folklore, and more. Member adults $5, nonmember adults $10, children free. thetrustees.org.

Art Lessons with Bayda. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Embrace the work of Ed Emberley during this time of creative but guided exploration. For ages 7 to 12. Register ahead.

Free. mywpl.org.

26 Sunday Tell Your Story: Words and Pictures.

Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate

the Museum’s new Coming to Rhode Island time-traveling exploration exhibit, by telling your own story using materials including story stones, doodle cubes, and costumes. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $9. childrensmuseum.org.

Matt Heaton & the Outside Toys. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline.

10:30 a.m. Matt Heaton brings American roots, surf, and Irish traditional music for the entire family, during this performance with Muppetesque touches of humor and observations.

Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $13, children $10. coolidge.org.

Sugaring Off Tours. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Enjoy this age-old tradition of maple sugaring, as the warm days of late winter awaken the flow of sap in the maples, causing buds to swell and resulting in sweet-smelling, billowing clouds of steam rising from the sugarhouse. Register ahead. Member adults $9, children $7; nonmember adults $10, children $8. massaudubon.org.

Natural Papermaking. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Using scrap paper we will learn how to make stylized paper for journals and crafts, and learn how recycling paper benefits the earth. For ages 8 and up. Register ahead. Member children $5, nonmember children $7, adults free. massaudubon.org.

Put a Patch on It. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Come as we read Boni Ashburn’s I Had a Favorite Dress, then find inspiration in the WOW exhibit as you design one-of-a-kind iron-on patches under the guidance of fiber artist Ana Campos. For ages 5 to 8. Free with admission. Adults $20, youth 16 and under free. pem.org.

28 Tuesday Winter Storytime. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Storytime is feeling frosty, so join us for some winter tales where we bring the books and you bring your imagination. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Meet Play Learn. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 10:30 a.m. Embrace this time for parents, caregivers, and young children to get together and make new and old friends, as we explore new spaces and discover Museum programs with a twist. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $16, ages under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Try it Out Tuesday. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in as we try out new ideas for programs here at the museum, from using different materials to different methods. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

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Get a jump on summer fun!

baystateparent’s

KidsCon & CAMP EXPO

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Saturday, February 11 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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Kids are FREE!

puppets

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face painting

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Princesses provided by SkyRise Theater

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All ages are encouraged to sing and dance along with The Toe Jam Puppet Band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs and interactive storytelling. Get ready for a Car Wash, watch out for the Flying Laundry, and be prepared to laugh with glee, Toe Jam style! toejampuppetband.com

Through his many talents as songsmith, comic, mime and storyteller, Stand-Up Chameleon Jackson Gillman engages and delights audiences of all ages.

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Ballet Arts Worcester provides superior technical & artistic training for dancers at all levels from an international staff in Classical Ballet — beginner to advanced levels in Variations Class; Pre Ballet; Teen Ballet; Adult Ballet; Jazz; Modern Dance; Creative Movement, Song & Dance; Mommy & Me; and more.

30 FEBRUARY2017

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Lounge will feature two LEGO brick pits in which children can build away!

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Attendees can pick up an exclusive Kids Go Free coupon and enter for the chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to visit the attraction.

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Founded in 2000, The New England Garrison is part of a Star Wars costuming fan club, The 501st, that boasts 4,000 members in all 50 U.S. states and 25 countries across the globe. In addition to having fun in costume, members also enjoy helping the community and participating in charity events, children's hospital visits, fundraisers, movie premieres, celebrity appearances, and conventions. 501neg.com

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Kayla C. Daly is a board certified music therapist, licensed mental health counselor, adjunct professor and professional musician. She has been voted Worcester Magazine’s best female singer/songwriter, best female vocalist, and runner up for best up and coming band. She is the proud owner of Worcester Center for Expressive Therapies, which was 2016’s Reader’s Pick for Best Therapy Facility for Children with Special Needs. She performs once a month at Lock 50 in Worcester and loves to volunteer her time playing music at the St. Vincent’s Cancer and Wellness Center, as well as at her church on weekends.

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32 FEBRUARY2017

7/11/14 10:09 PM

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

34 36 39 40 42 44 46

How Mindfulness Can Yield a More Calm, Relaxed Family Life

47

How to Spot — and Fix — Exhaustion in Children

Easy Ways Families Can Unplug, Get Up, and Get Moving Simple Steps to Tune Up Your Nutrition How the Move to Whole Plant Foods Benefits Families Why Dirt and Germs Are Good for Kids 6 Tips for a Healthy Winter with the Whole Family Working Moms: How to Improve Your Health and Happiness at Your Desk

Photography by Shawna Shenette

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

How Mindfulness Can Yield a More Calm, Relaxed Family Life

BY MELISSA SHAW

Mindfulness is getting a lot of press in parenting circles — and with good reason.

If practiced and developed, adults (and, yes, parents) can enjoy a calmer, more relaxed life. But what is mindfulness? U.K.-based author and mother of three Amber Hatch describes it as “the quality of mind when we have an awareness of what is happening in the present moment.”

Even more interesting, she notes: “All parents use and experience mindfulness — even if they have never heard of the word.”

34 FEBRUARY2017

Hatch’s new book, Mindfulness for Parents, introduces the concept, explains what it is, how to get started, and how its practice — and that of daily meditation — can help adults: • Stay calm in a crisis • Feel more connected to their children • Be patient • Keep a sense of perspective, and much more.

Your bio says you began practicing Buddhist meditation seven years ago. Was this before or after you had your first child? What drew you to daily meditation?

I began practicing Buddhist meditation when my first child was 18 months old. (Hatch is mother to 8-year-old Morrigan, 5-year-old Dougal, and 10-week-old Rowena.)

Becoming a parent caused a paradigm shift in my outlook and sense of self. I became very open to different ideas and perspectives, and I wanted to try to make sense of the changes I was already undergoing. Someone handed me a copy of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Peace is Every Step when my little girl was just over a year. The concept of mindfulness made so much sense to me, and not long after that I found a meditation class to join. Looking back I had already been intuitively meditating whilst I put her to sleep each night — but formal meditation, and a clear path to follow in the form of

Buddhist teaching, added a whole other dimension for me.

How do mindfulness and meditation work together?

Mindfulness is the quality of mind when we bring awareness to our present moment experience.

Everybody experiences mindfulness at times. Meditation is what we do when we set out with the intention to keep raising mindfulness, to keep coming back to the present moment.

We can do this formally — perhaps sitting for 20 minutes with our eyes closed using breath as a guide; or informally — as we wash the dishes.

The more often we practice it, the easier it is to call it up. During meditation we can also raise other positive qualities alongside our mindfulness, such as calm and concentration, and feelings of love and goodwill.

In the book, you share the birth story of your first child and how it sparked your awareness of how powerful mindfulness is. How did you get from that watershed moment to writing a book about how it can aid parents?

Because of that special experience in labor, mindfulness and parenting have always been bound together for me, and I’ve spent an awful lot of time exploring how they intertwine.

This is the book that I wanted to read myself — but I couldn’t find one. When I first thought about

writing the book I wasn’t sure if I was qualified enough. But then I realized that I was qualified to write honestly about my own experiences and insights. And I’ve had the good fortune to explore the subject with other parents on the family retreats and meditation groups that I am involved with. Once I started writing I realized I had a lot to say, and I began to feel confident that other people could find my perspective useful.

Your first labor sounded very traditional — painful and scary — until you embraced the moment. After practicing mindfulness, what were your second and third labor experiences like?

I had a really well-established daily meditation practice by the time I was pregnant with my second child.

I was expecting to have a similarly special — or perhaps even more profound — experience during childbirth this time round. I remember my meditation teacher warning me that it wasn’t going to be the same.

He was right — it wasn’t! But I had a wonderful labor and birth anyway.

All three of my children have been born at home in a pool (home births are well supported here in the UK).

I’m sure the meditation practice helped me to let go and allow the contractions to do their work, also to fully rest and relax in between. In fact, with my third baby — who was born only two months ago, I felt so relaxed and normal during my labor

that we were a bit late ringing the midwife, and she only arrived a minute before my daughter was born!

Parenting in a child’s first year, even from the first labor contraction, can be an exercise in chaos, especially for first-time parents. Yet saying that embracing mindfulness, surrendering to and accepting that moment at hand, will yield calm and peace seems very contradictory. What do you say to parents who seem skeptical of what seem like two polar opposite states of being (parenthood and calm, peaceful living)?

Ha, ha, yes — parenting can certainly be chaotic! I’m afraid mindfulness won’t automatically make your house quiet and orderly. What it can bring you is a sense of space and calm inside yourself so that although you’ll still hear all the noise and see the mess, it won’t trigger you in quite the same way.

Does practicing mindfulness as a parent help a person feel more control, in what can seem like an outof-control time?

I’m not sure I would describe mindfulness as helping parents feel more in control — it’s more about being OK with not being in control.

Allowing yourself to see things as they are and not try to make them anything else. But it’s not about being passive, either. When we choose to accept reality, that’s actually very empowering.

Mindfulness centers around being in the moment, yet mothers are seemingly required to be professional multitaskers. How can those co-exist?

I talk about this in my book. Yes, as parents we often have to do more than one thing — especially if we have two or more children. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be mindful.

When we have a lot going on, that’s when mindfulness is most useful.

You write: “I have continually found that when I stop fighting reality and start accepting it, then everything goes a whole lot more smoothly.”

That’s a powerful statement. Why do you think parents fight reality so hard and why is what you advocate such a radical idea?

It’s not just parents who fight reality — we all do it at times when things don’t appear to be going our way. When we resist reality we get frustrated, annoyed, or upset. The problem is this doesn’t tend to help us. With more mindfulness it’s easier to see what needs to be done in any particular situation. It helps us stay calm so we can make choices that move things in the right direction.

I’m not sure if this is radical — it’s

just common sense. But perhaps what’s new to some people is the idea that this is something we can cultivate. We can get better at doing it. It means we don’t have to be a victim of circumstance.

Because the world sees your face first®

What would surprise parents the most about mindfulness and parenting?

At first it can feel like a big effort to keep coming back to the present moment. But over time, it can become a way of being. Being in the present moment becomes a kind of refuge, a place where we can feel comfortable and replenish. I think that’s hard to see for a newcomer. It has to be experienced to be understood.

Parents are habitually pressed for time. Why should they make time for meditation and why is it worth it?

Mindfulness can be practiced at anytime throughout the day, so that’s not something we have to set aside time for. However, formal meditation is very beneficial as it kind of “tops us up” with mindfulness. It makes it much easier to access that quality throughout the rest of the day. At periods, for example, when you are parenting a newborn, it may not be possible to manage formal meditation. But if you can make a bit of time — even if it’s only 5 or 10 minutes, then that’s worth doing.

I think it’s something people have to experiment with and find out for themselves how much of a difference it will make.

Embracing mindfulness and beginning a meditation practice may seem daunting to busy parents, who rarely get to put their desires first. How could one start without feeling overwhelmed?

I think it’s really important that mindfulness isn’t seen as something we “ought to do” and beat ourselves up about if we forget. It’s there to help us get more out of parenting (and, in fact, life in general) — not something we should feel guilty about. We can gradually incorporate it into our everyday lives, rather than have it as something on the “to-do” list. One way of doing this might be to make an intention to be mindful every time we do a specific task, such as read our child a story.

Then we can extend our mindfulness practice to other activities throughout the day.

In my book I’ve explored how mindfulness can be applied throughout different aspects of parenting. I hope that reading it will inspire parents to consider how it can be of use in their own families. Ultimately, it’s a resource that we can draw on. When something helps us, it becomes easier to make more of a commitment to it.

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HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

Easy Ways Families Can Unplug, Get Up, and Get Going

BY DR. LYNN PANTUOSCO-HENSCH

M

ost mornings when I walk into my college classroom, the majority of my students are already there.

My millennial students are sitting at their desks, looking down at their phones, and — you guessed it — generally not talking with each other.

Sometimes the lights aren’t even turned on.

When I walk in, I turn on the lights and greet the class. Often, I give them grief about being on their phones and ignoring one another. They give me a knowing look, mumble some good mornings, and politely put their phones away when class begins.

They are officially unplugged for the 50-minute class. We take a set of physio-balls out of the closet and use them instead of chairs — this helps get students moving literally and figuratively. Slowly the conversation picks up, just long enough to fill the first few minutes of class with small talk. Yet the small talk isn’t small at all — it’s big — as this is when we learn more about each other and make important connections.

In the midst of our usual pre-class small talk, I throw out the topic for this article to my motor development students: How can we get kids whose schedules are not already dominated by youth sports to be more active — especially in light of technology trends?

After a brief pause, one of the athletes in class says, “I hate to tell you this, but you don’t stand a chance.”

The class laughs. It’s the end of the semester and they all know me pretty well by now. They know how I feel about being active. And they know that they are not getting off this easy.

The student does have a point — the solution to this problem is not 36 FEBRUARY2017

easy. But, I need some answers. In fact, the rest of America needs some answers in a hurry, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.”

The clock is ticking.

My students can easily rattle off more facts and figures about childhood obesity, dropout rates in youth sports, mediocre nutrition, excessive screen time, and lack of lifetime fitness. As well they should, because I am teaching a class full of future physical therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, physical educators, physicians assistants, and nurses. We talk shop about what can be done professionally in physical education, health education, health care, youth sports, recess, and more. But, interestingly, the consensus across the class is that regardless of what professionals do to support children, it comes down to parenting.

My college students are quick to tell me that technology has dominated only half of their young lives. They describe their childhood as more physically active than today’s kids.

This bothers them. They describe the transition in their lives when smart phones became more prevalent, the internet expanded, and video games gained popularity. They recognize the correlation between the increase in technology and the decrease in physical activity. To keep the conversation on point, I share a few facts with them from the President’s Council of Fitness, Sports and Nutrition: • Only 1 in 3 children are physically active every day.

• More than 80% of adolescents do

not do enough aerobic physical activity.

• 28% of Americans (80 million people) aged 5 and older are physically inactive.

• Children now spend more than 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen (e.g., TV, videogames, computer).

• Nearly one-third of high school students play video or computer games for 3 or more hours on an average school day. (You can read more at fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-andstatistics/) In light of this disturbing data, the reality of the problem is clear, and we begin to talk solutions. Our once quiet, dark classroom is lively with discussion and debate (maybe I do stand a chance). Repeatedly, the students return to the same point: Future professionals will be there for guidance, but the responsibility starts at home.

Family matters Learning to be physically active is like any other behavior: Children learn by observing their parents and other influential people in their lives.

Parents are our first and often best role models. But, unfortunately in today’s world, many parents are not doing an effective job of encouraging or modeling physical activity for children, especially as children reach their high school years.

The 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (NYPANS) found that “the prevalence of adults who encourage children in their household daily to be physical-

ly active is low and decreases across grade levels in high school. Further, the prevalence of adults who actually participate in physical activity or play sports with children in their household on a daily basis is less than 10% and tends to be higher for boys than for girls.”

I often ask my college students if they have active parents and how their home environment influenced their motor development. As anticipated, my students are usually a reflection of their parents in their physical activity interests. The college students with more active parents have become more active young adults. The foundation for lifetime fitness is built in childhood.

To lay the groundwork in your own family: 1. Sign your children up for physical activities.

2. Encourage your children to be physically active on their own.

3. Be physically active with your children.

Sign your children up for physical activities Traditional sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball are the most common starting point. Experiment with a range of sports to see if any are a good fit for your children.

Consider both team and individual sports, and different sports in different seasons as variety is great for fitness and fun.

The unfortunate part of traditional sports is that most children drop out by the time they enter high school. In fact, an estimated 40% of high school

students do not play any organized sports, in or out of school. Unless your child is varsity material, a Plan B may be in order. This is where the growing trend toward non-traditional (and often lifetime) sports comes in.

Local parks and recreation departments, YMCAs, and other private settings offer classes or lessons in many nontraditional sports and fitness activities. Be sure to ask about free trials, other beginner opportunities, and family/group discounts.

Non-traditional forms of recreation include: • Biking • Crew • Crossfit • Golf • Group exercise classes (e.g., barre, kickboxing, boot camp, Zumba) • Parkour (obstacle courses) • Rock climbing • Running • Skateboarding • Strength and conditioning • Swimming • Yoga • Virtual reality video games (e.g., Wii fit) • Winter sports (skiing, snow shoeing, etc.)

Consider signing your child up with a friend. Research and practical experience confirm that children, especially adolescents, are more likely to feel comfortable trying something new if they are with a friend. Furthermore, when a peer group is involved in a physical activity together, there is greater likelihood that the participants will remain committed. Get a group of your children’s friends together and try something new!

Encourage your children to be physically active on their own While children don’t have to be in a lesson or on a team to be active,

some organization and motivation are needed. Discuss expectations with children to be sure they understand the importance of being physically active. Help them to buy into the idea of being active on a daily basis, and then create a routine full of options and stick to it.

Measurement and motivation Some children are motivated by measuring and tracking their exercise, which is helpful when setting fitness goals. Integrate technology in a positive way with one of the many apps designed to record physical activity and track progress, or use a simple pedometer or a more sophisticated device like a Fitbit to track steps, miles, and active minutes.

Most cell phones can be used as pedometers, although I don’t recommend wearing cell phones. A common goal for many adults is 10,000 steps a day; children should be able to exceed 10,000 steps daily.

My children have inexpensive pedometers ($15) and enjoy tracking their steps and being competitive about their milestones. They know they get more steps on weekends, or school days when they have physical education. This self-awareness about movement patterns is a valuable life skill. Helping your children record their accumulated exercise (in steps, miles, or minutes) on paper in a journal or on a calendar can be a powerful motivator. In my family, we keep a calendar up where we track our fitness progress. We are also competitive about our steps per day.

It can be fun to challenge family and friends to do more steps each day.

Figure out what motivates your children and build on it.

Independent physical activities include: • Dog walking: Another effective way to accumulate steps on a regular basis is by walking the family

dog. Dogs are helpful for creating a positive walking routine — and of course provide some good company!

If you don’t have a dog, perhaps your neighbor who does would enjoy a break!

• FitDeck: Circuit train at home using these exercise playing cards.

Exercises require only body resistance (no equipment). There are other themed sets, in addition to FitDeck Jr. for children (fitdeck.com/ category/cards/Fitness/Kids).

• Exercise videos: Go to YouTube or your cable equivalent of “On Demand” for free exercise videos.

Try Zumba, yoga, and more from home for free. All you need is room to sweat!

• DeskCycles: If children must use a device, pedal while they play! In a previous article (baystateparent. com/2016/08/31/move-more-learnmore-in-active-classrooms/), I highlighted use of DeskCycles (deskcycle. com) in the classroom, but they are versatile for home use as well.

• Exercise equipment: Invest in some simple home exercise equipment. Equipment often comes with diagrams of sample exercises to get started with. Some of my favorite items that are practical and store easily are steps, resistance bands, physio-balls, and free weights.

Create an incentive plan to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behavior. For instance, children can accumulate steps, miles, or active minutes to earn screen time or another reward. Work with your children to create a tradeoff that incorporates some physical activity before a desired sedentary activity, like television or video games. I try not to give my kids something for nothing! I like for them to earn their

rewards, including screen time.

My students also suggested a few screen time rules that they either grew up with or use themselves: • Create a point system for children to accumulate exercise to earn screen time minutes. Earn minutes with movement.

• Set technology time limits, which need to be followed by a predetermined amount of physical activity before using a device again.

• Put phones in airplane mode during exercise to avoid distracting messages while still listening to music.

• Set a bedtime for devices/technology use in order to conclude the day with an unplugged activity, such as reading, conversation, or exercise.

Be physically active with your children While signing children up for activities and encouraging independent physical activity at home is great, being active together is even better.

Find some activities you and your children enjoy together. Exercise doesn’t have to be torture. Research tells us that people are far more likely to stick with forms of exercise they like to do. Sixty minutes of daily physical activity is recommended for children, but even 30 minutes a day can make a difference in your family’s health and well-being.

Accumulating exercise in 10-minute shifts throughout the day is valuable, as well. Remember that investing in your children’s healthy habits now can have lasting effects into adulthood.

Go outside There are numerous health benefits associated with being outside. Try to select activities that can be

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

done outside, even during our New England winters. Skip the treadmills and hit the pavement. The most common form of exercise is walking. One of the most significant benefits of walking with your family is walking and talking. Similar to the small talk with which I often start my classes, walking together is a great chance to chat. Create an after-dinner walking routine. Just leave the dishes in the sink and go! The mess will still be waiting for you when you get back — and you just might feel a little more like tackling it after a brisk walk. My children like to take their flashlights outside during an evening walk, which makes it even more fun (or at least better than doing dishes).

Another option is a before school/ work walking routine. An early morning walk jumpstarts the body and brain, setting your family up for a more successful day. As few as 12% of American children walk or ride their bikes to school today.

According to the National Physical Activity Plan (2016), “children who travel to school by active means accumulate more physical activity and have increased physical fitness.”

For those of us who live in communities with neighborhood schools, this is an excellent way to get some movement in each day. We walk or bike to school year-round and our children really enjoy their morning routine.

The key word here is “routine.”

Create an exercise pattern that works for your family. For example, a friend of ours does a weekly walk with each of his children individually. What I especially like about this is it allows for valuable one-on-one time with each child. And whatever you do, leave the gadgets behind unless they are only playing your pump up tunes! My kids like to make play lists to listen to while we walk or jog together. Sometimes we end up singing instead of chatting.

Be glad you’re not our neighbors!

Go somewhere Sometimes a change of scenery can keep exercise engaging and add variety. There are so many great fitness-related destinations including parks, hiking trails, bike trails, tennis courts, driving ranges, and, of course, the gym. Introducing adolescents to a local fitness center can leave a strong impression. I still fondly remember when my dad taught me how to use exercise equipment

at the gym when I was in middle school. The American College of Sports Medicine supports strength and conditioning for children and adolescents, as well as aerobic exercise. The key is proper technique and safety. At home, we have a series of small free weights that my young children have learned to use in a few simple upper body exercises. I emphasize form and give frequent feedback. We have a mirror in our exercise space so the kids can see themselves in action and make adjustments. As soon as they are old enough, I am sure we’ll take them to the gym to enjoy the atmosphere and options. A summary of recommendations can be found at: acsm. org/docs/default-source/brochures/ physical-activity-in-children-andadolescents.pdf

Get going You don’t need to be a star athlete yourself to make family fitness happen. Kicking a ball around the yard

or park with your kids, having a dance party in your kitchen as you put away the dishes, or challenging them to a who-can-do-the-most pushups contest (proper form trumps all!) are activities anyone can do. Don’t be deterred if you’ve never played on a team or run a marathon. Your children will love whatever fitness activity you choose to do together.

My goal is for parents at every fitness level to feel empowered to teach their kids to get up, unplug, and get going. Better yet, parents will join their children and make physical activity a family affair. Being more physically active has countless physical, cognitive, and social benefits, any combination of which can make your family happier and healthier.

Someday, when our children are the ones sitting in college classrooms, let’s hope they are the students who can effectively unplug and engage with their peers and professors. Let’s hope they become the generation to reduce obesity and sedentary lifestyles and get going. Despite the odds, I think we stand a chance.

Dr. Lynn Pantuosco-Hensch is an associate professor in the Movement Science department at Westfield State University, teaching motor development, exercise science, and other sport-related courses. She is the mother of four boys and lives with her family in Longmeadow. Writer Paula Welch contributed to this story.

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HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

5 Easy Ways To Tune Up Your Nutrition

“Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.”

— Hippocrates, Greek physician, ~ 300 B.C.

“Take care of your body.

It’s the only place you have to live.”

— Jim Rohn, motivational speaker, ~ 2000 A.D.

BY MARTHA RUCH The strong association between what we eat and how we look and feel can’t be denied.

“You are what you eat,” says Lolly Brilliant, a Precision Nutrition-certified trainer and coach, the minute I get her on the phone to talk about this column.

“Highly processed food makes you feel great temporarily. Then your blood sugar dips, you feel lethargic, and you’re hungry again.”

Or as Christine Taylor Garner of Sudbury puts it, “I would collapse and die of starvation by 10 a.m. if I ate sugar in the morning.” Why? “Processed food doesn’t have the nutrients you need to keep your blood sugar stable,” Brilliant explains.

We all know what we should be eating, but having access to the right foods at the right time can be difficult. People cite the inconvenience (and cost) of preparing healthy foods, busy schedules, and too many unhealthy food choices everywhere they turn as stumbling blocks to eating right.

“Have a plan before you start your day,” Brilliant advises.

Know what you’re going to eat and prepare accordingly. (My five tips at right can help with that.) In addition, Brilliant suggests keeping track of your meals and snacks via an app like MyFitnessPal (myfitnesspal.com), which can help you understand where your calories are coming from and how your nutrition is stacking up day by day.

Here are five straightforward (and pretty easy) ways to tune up your nutrition. Try out one (or more) and let me know what you think: 1. Breakfast: Swap empty calories for nutrient-dense foods.

Most adults who responded to an informal poll stated that they ate a good breakfast of protein, fiber, and fresh fruit. “When I eat eggs or protein for breakfast, I can go a lot longer without feeling hungry, and I’m more alert,” says Cindy Cummings of Portland, Oregon.

Some of these same adults stated that their children ate things such as cereal, a bagel, or a toaster pastry for breakfast. One father admitted: “I’m not sure how full they feel or if they crash a couple of hours later, because they’re off at school when it would be an issue.” I’ll bet their teachers could tell you! Why aren’t we nourishing our children’s growing bodies the same way we do ours?

2. Lunch: Instead of skipping it, bring a meal from home.

Let’s assume you had a good breakfast. Keep the momentum going (and your blood sugar stable) by bringing your lunch to work or school, or sitting down at home and enjoying a salad, bowl of soup, or a small plate of leftovers from last night’s dinner. Those who skip lunch are more likely to hit the vending machine in the afternoon, or overeat at dinner and again later at night.

3. Drinks: Cut out soda in favor of water or seltzer.

Even if you just switch it up at dinnertime, you’re doing the whole family a favor by replacing sugar- or artificially-sweetened drinks with good old water, which many of us don’t get enough of on a daily basis.

Place a pitcher of ice-cold water (lemon slices optional) on the table instead of the soda bottle, and watch the kids refill their glasses again and again. My kids loved helping themselves from the water pitcher at dinnertime, as did their friends who frequently ate over.

4. Snacks: Replace packaged snacks with DIY fresh snacks.

“I only put healthy snacks in the car,” notes Jennifer Ulfelder of Medway. “If I’m hungry I’ll eat it, and if I’m not that hungry, I won’t.”

A sugary packaged snack might be eaten regardless of hunger level.

In addition to being nutritionally empty, most packaged snacks contain additives and preservatives to keep them shelf-stable. Healthful alternatives that can be ready to grab-and-go in Ziploc or reusable containers include berries, a small salad, hard boiled eggs, nuts, lowfat cheeses, homemade granola, or hummus and raw vegetables. These snacks are filling and nutritious, the exact opposite of a bag of chips or candy. David Kingsley of Murietta, Calif., says he keeps frozen grapes on hand at all times at home as a sweet snack he and his three kids enjoy.

5. Dinner: Instead of winging it, have a plan. As our incomes increase and our leisure time decreases, it has become routine to eat out or take unhealthy shortcuts, rather than cook from scratch at home. “When we’re in a rush and I haven’t planned ahead, that’s when we end up eating convenience foods,” Garner says. She (and others) swear that planning ahead is the way to achieve greatness at dinnertime. “It doesn’t have to be those all-day-Sunday affairs pre-cooking a week’s worth of meals. For me it just means a well-stocked pantry, and always having some fresh or frozen veggies on hand that can be eaten raw or simply steamed, and some kind of protein that cooks quickly — chicken, beef, fish, ham, canned beans, eggs,” Garner adds. Kingsley says the crockpot is his secret weapon to preparing healthy meals for his family. The truth is, a simply prepared, home-cooked meal is usually going to be more nutritious and less expensive than a restaurant meal.

For more on meal planning and some simple recipes, visit my website, simplydeliciouschef.com.

Martha Ruch is the owner of Simply Delicious Personal Chef Service, helping busy families come together at the dinner table since 2007. Find pictures, recipes, cooking tips, and more at simplydeliciouschef.com; on Facebook @ SimplyDeliciousPersonalChefService; and on Twitter @chefmartha BAYSTATEPARENT 39

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

How the Move to Whole Plant Foods Benefits Families

BY MELISSA SHAW

T

he whole-foods, plant-based lifestyle has been gaining converts, acclaim, and publicity since the release of the major documentary Forks Over Knives six years ago, and it’s now extending its reach — and benefits — to families.

In 2011, Forks Over Knives made the radical (but convincing) case that modern diseases can be prevented — and often reversed — by removing meat, dairy, and highly refined foods from a person’s diet.

In the film, these assertions were backed by scientific research, physicians, and expert researchers, and in the years since they’ve been echoed by the success stories of those who have embraced the lifestyle. Testimonials from everyday people to professional athletes on the Forks Over Knives website (forksoverknives.com/category/ success-stories/) claim the diet has reversed chronic heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more, and made them healthier and happier than ever before.

Now the movement is officially 40 FEBRUARY2017

extending to families with the release of a new book, Forks Over Knives Family. Billed as “every parent’s guide to raising healthy, happy kids on a whole-foods, plant-based diet,” the book shares more than 100 recipes and advice on how to transition a family to the lifestyle, as well as what to eat while pregnant or breastfeeding, how to introduce solids to a baby, and much more.

“We have been advising patients for many years on how to follow a whole-foods, plant-based [WFPB] diet, and many times they would ask, ‘Is this OK for my kids?’ ‘Is it OK for me when I’m pregnant?’” says co-author Dr. Matthew Lederman. “We realized there was a need to reassure the average person that this was a very healthpromoting diet.”

Lederman and his wife, Dr. Alona Pulde, co-wrote the book, as well as the earlier New York Times bestseller, The Forks Over Knives Plan.

They live in Los Angeles with their 3- and 5-year-old daughters, where they live a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle as a family.

And what is this very healthy way

of eating? Those who are wholefood and plant-based eat meals based out of five categories:

• Fruits • Vegetables • Tubers and starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, winter squash, etc.)

• Whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa, etc.)

• Legumes (black beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.)

Lederman says it’s also important to note what WFPB is not, given there are common misconceptions about the diet, one of which is that all one eats are salads.

“In fact, you’re actually eating lasagna, burritos, stir frys, pizza, pancakes, and sandwiches. You’re eating delicious foods, you’re just making them with healthier ingredi-

ents,” he says.

Another incorrect assumption: One has to be vegan to follow this lifestyle.

“Whole-food, plant-based are foods that are minimally processed and plants,” Lederman says. “Whole plant foods include fruits and vegetables, starchy vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Vegan foods can be anything from Twizzlers to Coca-Cola to potato chips. Whole plant food can fall under vegan. Veganism is coming at it from an ethical perspective, where whole plant foods come from a health perspective initially. The fact that it helps the environment and is helpful from the ethical perspective are continued added benefits. That’s where I think this diet is a real win-win, no matter what angle you come at it from.”

While the thought of moving from a standard American diet to whole plant foods can seem daunting, Lederman has one message: Do whatever you can, whenever you can.

“You do not need to be 100% plant-based to reap the health benefits of adding or making a significant

portion of your diet whole plant foods,” he notes. “There’s no evidence that staying on the Western diet is going to make you healthier or prevent disease. In fact, all the evidence says that the Western diet is probably best designed to make you unhealthy and cause disease.

There’s lots of good evidence to at least start exploring change and adding in whole plant foods to your diet. Don’t focus on labeling yourself a certain way of eating if that makes you uncomfortable. Just try and add more whole plant foods to your diet as much as possible.”

And, he says, whatever you can do will benefit your family’s health in significant ways.

“A lot of the diseases we see as adults can begin many years, and even decades, before you see them,” he explains. “When you have a heart attack, that’s a culmination of many, many years of damage to your blood vessels and cholesterol being high. The same thing with cancer: A lot of the cancer starts early in your lifetime and then grows until it’s big enough to be detected by our conventional tools, at which point we diagnose cancer.

But those cancer cells start much sooner, and we’re putting gas on the fire. You want to stop putting the fertilizer on those cells that allows them to grow, and you want to strengthen your immune system,

which is your natural cancer fighter.

A whole-food, plant-based diet does exactly that. You’re really giving [children] a great step forward by starting them as soon as possible on whole plant foods.”

Another common criticism — and fallacy — heard by vegetarians, vegans, and those on WFPB diets is concern over a lack of protein, given they do not eat meat.

“The best source for protein are whole plant foods,” Lederman says.

“When you’re eating fruits and vegetables and whole grains, you’re getting tons of protein, you’re getting all of your essential amino acids.

You don’t need to food combine and make a chemistry experiment to get the right protein in your diet.

Eat whole plant foods, and protein should be the last thing you worry about.”

Transitioning your family For parents who decide to give a WFPB diet a go family-style, Lederman advises time and patience, not perfection.

“It’s like growing up speaking one language and you’re told you gotta learn to speak this other language

NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! NEW LOCATION!

that’s healthy. It takes time to build that vocabulary and perfect the accent, and that’s what you’re doing with this diet and lifestyle,” he says. “It takes time to learn how to shop this way, use these new ingredients. As this is becoming more popular and there’s going to be more and more of a supporting environment, we’re helping you jump start and do what you need to to navigate your way around any obstacles that can come up. You have the rest of your life to perfect this; do the best you can.”

One considerable obstacle for families may be a child who’s already an established eater and, let’s say, less-than-enthusiastic about a change in his diet.

“Try and respect their autonomy, don’t insult their intelligence,” Lederman advises. “Say, ‘Hey, I’ve learned about this new way of eating for health, would you be interested in watching this documentary with me and we can talk about it afterwards?’ You can also talk about the impact it has on the environment and the animals. You can find all sorts of different things that resonate as reasons to add whole plant foods.”

Lederman, a board-certified, Internal Medicine physician specializing in nutrition and lifestyle medicine, encourages his patients to write a “deal breaker list.” For

example: “I want to make sure I eat out. I want to make sure I don’t give up this food.”

“Once they write down their deal breakers, I say, ‘Let me work on everything else. Don’t touch deal breakers.’ Then, what happens over time, the deal breakers aren’t actually as big a deal, and they wind up changing those, too,” he notes.

Experimenting in little ways can be fun. For example, for breakfast try cereal with non-dairy milk, oatmeal with fruit, or whole-grain pancakes with pure maple syrup.

Families can flip through Forks Over Knives Family’s 125 recipes together. Children can check out the full-color photos of meals and pick ones they want to try.

Lederman says parents can then take the following easy-going approach: “Let’s make it together.

How close can it be to the picture?

What did it taste like? There’s no pressure to like the food, there’s a pressure to try it and see what you think. And if you don’t like that, let’s try something else.”

“Take the pressure off and make it fun,” he says. “Do it together.

If you’re shopping, give them all different ingredients to find in the store. It can be really fun if you try to make it that way.”

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HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

Are Your Kids

Too Clean?

Why dirt and germs are healthy for children

BY MICHELLE PERRAS-CHARRON

Dirt. It is a sometimes unsightly and unavoidable fact of life for most parents. Indeed, there is no shortage of sweet faces to wipe, small hands to wash, muddy clothes to launder, and sticky floors to scrub. Dirt. Is. Everywhere.

But what if you discovered you’re working too hard to get rid of all that dirt — that keeping some of the dirt around (as well as the germs) is actually healthy for kids?

We are a country obsessed with being clean: clean kids, clean homes, clean pets, clean everything. The cleaner, the better. Store shelves overflow with cleaners promising to kill 99.9% of germs. We want our homes to be germ-free, sparkle, and smell nice, too. We also want the same for our children because in our minds, as parents,

dirt equals germs — bad germs, of course — because there’s no other kind, right?

“To think having dirt on you can make you sick is a misunderstanding,” says Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta, assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Calgary in Canada.

Arrieta attributes this misunderstanding to a lack of research until recently. She explains that until 10 years ago, 99% of research focused solely on bad microbes (aka germs), the ones that make people sick. Only recently have scientists begun to shift their focus and study the different ways microbes can be helpful.

According to Arrieta, microbes are microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Together, they form communities within our bodies, known as microbiotas. For example, our gut has its own microbiota. These microbes are with us from birth and interact with us. She explains that only recently have scientists realized just how crucial these tiny organisms are to our bodies, comparing them to an organ.

In fact, scientists like Arrieta are finding that the majority of microbes are not harmful at all and actually offer real health benefits when children are exposed to them within the first five years of life.

Arrieta and renowned microbiologist Dr. B. Brett Finlay of the University of British Columbia recently released a new book, Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child From an Oversanitized World. Finlay and Arrieta share research from their

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own labs as well as others, showing how microbes can strongly affect childhood development, with ways parents can use this information to influence their child’s long-term health. It is their position that an imbalance, or lack of, these good microbes can lead to long-term health problems such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, and other chronic conditions like food allergies.

The war waged on germs by parent — hand sanitizers on every school bag, hand-washing at every turn, and antibacterial wipes for every surface and toy — is actually doing more harm than good, Arrieta says. For example, one of her most recent studies connected a lack of key intestinal microbiota to asthma in very young babies.

“We have learned to put all germs

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under the same umbrella,” she says, yet, “dirt does not equal disease.”

Therefore, parents are constantly wiping away microbes that could be beneficial to their children, all in the name of cleanliness. Toys do not need to be cleaned with bleach, or even at all, unless someone is sick or the toys are visibly dirty, Arrieta says. Even then, they can simply be cleaned with soap and water; bleach is overkill.

Unintended consequences One casualty of a war waged against dirt by parents is time spent outdoors. Yes, children do spend a good deal of time outdoors on various sports fields, however, there’s something to be said for mud pies, earthworms, and chasing frogs.

“Being outside is not going to make children sick,” Arrieta says. “Childhood is an exploratory phase, and we think part of that is to explore microbes, too.”

In other words, let your children play in the dirt, climb trees, and pick up bugs, as these activities introduce your child to a whole other world of microbes that cannot be found inside the home.

“Kids need microbes for a healthy immune system,” she adds.

Yet a lack of outdoor time, and the dirt that comes with it, is an area in which parents can do better. Arrieta and Finlay note in their book that children spend half as much time outside as they did only 20 years ago.

Outdoor time is crucial because not all microbes are created equal.

Arrieta explains that outdoor microbes, whether in our backyard, or at a park, are different from the microbes found inside of our homes.

Of these billions of microbes, only a few cause disease. Many are actually beneficial. Furthermore, having children wash their hands every time they come in from playing outside is very unnecessary in most cases.

“We need to balance, as parents, all the ways we know how to prevent disease,” she says. “We should not be wiping people down with the first spec of dirt!”

Instead, Arrieta advises children should wash their hands prior to eating and after using the bathroom.

One exception would be if your child has just played in a sandbox.

In that case, children should wash their hands afterward due to the high concentration of microbes that tend to reside in a sandbox.

Another consequence of the war waged on microbes has been the abundant overuse of antibiotics in the healthcare industry. Because antibiotics are designed to kill microbes, they do so indiscriminate-

ly, killing off both the bad and good germs. They do not differentiate.

“We need them [antibiotics],” she acknowledges, “but we should only use them when necessary because they really wipe out the microbiome.”

She explains the microbiome of an adult will mostly bounce back.

However, for young babies the process can be more difficult. A young baby’s microbiome is not as resilient, nor as established. For this reason, Arrieta recommends that if antibiotics need to be used during the first year of life, probiotics should be used as well to help reestablish the microbiome in an infant’s gut. However, she cautions that probiotics are not regulated by the FDA, and any company can claim to sell a probiotic. A clinical guide to probiotic products can be found at letthemeatdirt.com/probiotics.

Tips for parents Here are ways parents can expose their children to the “good” germs that exist all around us, in turn promoting healthy development and building a stronger microbiome, according to Arrieta.

• Allow children to explore and play outside as much as possible.

• Allow children to get dirty!

Don’t be afraid of the dirt.

• Consider alternatives to antibacterial soaps, cleansers, and wipes.

• Allow children to be around healthy pets, such as dogs who bring many good microbes from outside into our homes. Studies have shown dogs may decrease the risk of allergies and asthma.

• Practice balance when preventing disease. Encourage proper hand washing before eating and after using the bathroom, but not every time a child comes in from outside.

• As soon as babies can eat solid food, incorporate a variety of fiber. Good microbes thrive on fiber.

Simply Well Get recipes, parenting tips and more delivered right to your inbox.

• Swap out refined foods for fruits and vegetables.

• Use a probiotic when taking antibiotics.

Follow today: www.umassmemorial.org/simplywell Conversations to Keep You Healthy and Well BAYSTATEPARENT 43

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

6 TIPS for a Healthy Winter Season with the Whole Family

BY ALYSSA KOOMAS, CHILDOBESITY180 With winter in full swing, many parents are looking for ways to counter the often excess eating that comes with the season. It can be difficult to remain active in the cold weather, contributing to some extra winter

1 2 3

Plan ahead to make sure healthy choices are always on-hand.

Meal planning for the week ahead will not only ensure that you set up healthier options for day-to-day choices, but it also can become a creative outlet for families to plan together. Plan for meals that have a balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates.

Try a “Meatless Monday” or similar theme night to simplify planning even more.

Build a better lunch (together).

can send the message that portions don’t matter, talk to kids about how to set up a balanced plate.

ChooseMyPlate.gov has resources and clear, colorful visuals. Challenge your family to serve themselves dinner and learn appropriate portions of fruits, veggies, grains, protein, and dairy.

4

Involving kids in the cooking process can get them more excited about what’s in their lunchbox and help you avoid calorie-dense fare in favor of more wholesome options.

Try packing lunch-sized portions of fruits and veggies over the weekend to streamline lunchbox prep on cold school mornings.

Join the “Balanced Plate” club.

Instead of focusing on the “Clean Plate Club,” which

weight. These simple steps can help you eat better and exercise more, based on proven principles and research from ChildObesity180 at Tufts University (childobesity180.org).

5

Eat the rainbow.

Foods that are (naturally) brightly colored are full of different antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals — and they tend to be fruits and veggies. If you and your family “eat the rainbow” by including seasonal foods of every color between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll be sure to get a mix of these essential nutrients. Younger children might have fun with a chart that helps them track their “rainbow foods” every day.

Move more by making family activities physical activities.

It’s easy to incorporate meaningful movement into typically sedentary

6

activities. Try doing jumping jacks, pushups, or wall sits during TV time, especially in the commercial breaks.

Make household chores a game, race, or obstacle course that encourages extra steps. Turn up the music and dance your way through dusting and vacuuming to increase the cardio impact — just don’t go too quickly to make sure you still pass the white glove test!

will keep things interesting and increase your chances of finding activities that the whole family will enjoy. Over time, it may even become second nature to head outside to play instead of straight toward the couch or the fridge.

Get out of the house to limit screen time.

Alyssa Koomas is project manager for Healthy Kids Out of School at ChildObesity180. org. Based at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, ChildObesity180 unites national leaders from the private, public, nonprofit, and academic sectors committed to developing, measuring, and implementing evidencebased solutions to reverse the alarming epidemic of childhood obesity in America.

Especially in wintertime, the snow and cold can persuade us to keep warm indoors with our favorite shows. We all know it’s important to limit screen time, but it can be hard to cut back on a habit without building a new one. Making a rule to spend more time outside as a family — even just 20 minutes each day — can give you the extra push to stick with it. Try hiking, ice skating, basketball, or rock-climbing for a change of pace.

Experimenting with new activities and adding a new spin to established routines

Forming healthy habits like these early in a child’s life can help to prevent serious issues like obesity down the road.

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HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

Working Moms:

How to Improve Health and Happiness at Your Desk

Sun salutation: 1

BY KRISTIN MCGEE

Y

ou may have heard it said that sitting is the new smoking. It’s true. The effect of sitting for prolonged periods can cause strain on the neck and shoulders, back, hips, and legs. In addition, when we sit for long periods of time, we increase our risk for diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic disease, muscular imbalances, organ damage, and musculoskeletal issues. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourthleading risk factor for death in people around the world. Scary? Yes. The problem? Many of us have desk jobs that require long hours sitting in front of a computer, so sitting all day is almost impossible to avoid.

What’s a working mom to do?

Yoga to the rescue.

Yoga is low impact, can be done anywhere, and offers an incredible amount of postures that are good for beginners and advanced students, and best of all can be done in a chair. In addition to the long-term health benefits, yoga poses help improve your posture and eliminate nasty neck aches and back pain often associated with logging hours sitting (driving, typing, and even eating).

In addition to drinking enough water and getting up out of our seat every so often, incorporating any of these chair yoga moves will keep your blood flowing, mind active, and body healthy.

Chair yoga will improve your strength, core muscles, balance, and flexibility. Chair yoga can be done anytime, anywhere — in your chair.

Sun salutations: Helps link breath and movement, focus the mind, stretch the entire body, and open up lungs.

Sun salutation: 2

• Inhale all the way back up to sit and touch your palms together overhead.

• Exhale; release your arms by your sides.

Repeat 3-5 times.

High altar side leans: Helps stretch the sides of the body (which get compressed sitting), opens up the lungs, and prevents carpal tunnel, giving flexibility to the shoulders, arms, and wrists.

• Sit tall at the edge of your seat.

• Cross the right arm under the left high at the shoulder, and bend the elbows to bring the palms together.

• If your range of motion is limited, press the backs of the hands together.

• Hold 5 breaths, repeat on the opposite side.

Ankle to knee or tree pose: This pose is great for the legs.

• Lift your arms overhead and interlace the hands.

• Sit tall at the edge of your seat. Place the right ankle over the left knee and let the right knee open to the side.

• Invert your palms to the ceiling and lengthen the sides of the waist.

• Lean forward over the legs to feel more of stretch.

• Exhale side bend to the right and hold for 3-5 breaths.

• Come up through center and repeat on the opposite side.

Chair twist: Twists are great detoxifiers and help to renew our energy. They’re also great for the abs and back.

• Sitting tall at the edge of your seat, place your right hand on your left knee and your left hand on the back of your chair.

• Hold 5-8 breaths and repeat on the opposite side.

• If you’re wearing a skirt or pants that won’t allow for this big hip opening, stand next to your chair and place your right foot on your inner left ankle or calf, coming into a baby tree pose. Press your palms together or hold the chair for support. Stay 5-8 breaths on each side.

Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates teacher and author of Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You (HarperCollins, January 2017). She can also be found at kristinmcgee.com.

• Inhale, lengthen up through the spine.

• Exhale, twist to the left.

• Use your core to initiate the movement.

• Start seated at the edge of your chair with feet hip width apart.

• After 3-5 breaths, repeat to the right.

• Inhale, lift your arms overhead, and press your palms together.

Eagle arms: Eagle is great for focus and also for opening up the shoulder region, as well as massaging the wrists.

• Exhale, swan dive forward over your knees draping your torso on your thighs, and let your hands come down by your feet.

• Sit tall at the edge of your seat and stretch your arms out in front of you, palms open to the ceiling.

46 FEBRUARY2017

Sun salutation: 3

Sun salutation: 4

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

Is Your Child

Exhausted?

BY LAURIE HOLLMAN

I

don’t know about you, but when I’m exhausted my emails usually have a lot of typos. I pause too often in conversation trying to catch my thought. I may very well bite your head off if you ask me to do something — anything.

Do you know when your child is exhausted? And I’m not talking about the obvious drowsy heads like when you’ve had a full day at Disney World.

Did your child wake up at an ungodly hour to accommodate your work schedule and then head to school, after-care, dance, piano, homework time, and finally, Dad’s house for dinner?

Think about your child’s weekly schedule. How much time a day is spent on instrument practice, sports practice, homework, religious instruction, and chores? As they get older there is the addition of test prep, college applications, tournaments, and perhaps a part-time job.

What happens when Mom and Dad are divorced and there is back and forth between homes, possible stepsiblings, and parental tension?

The National Sleep Foundation says that 30% of preschoolers don’t get enough sleep, and a recently released study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that sleep-deprived young children consume 20% more calories than usual.

As the author of Unlocking Parental Intelligence and a practicing psychoanalyst for more than 30 years, these are the signs of exhaustion I look out for in children: 1. Increased crying and tantrums.

2. Acting out in school.

3. Not getting enjoyment out of certain activities they used to love.

4. Loss of appetite or overeating.

5. Saying they are tired or bored when they’ve had enough sleep.

6. Increased fears.

7. Withdrawing into their rooms for too long.

8. Erratic sleeping or wanting you to sleep with them.

9. Losing interest in friendships.

10. Seeming to lose a sense of pleasure and vigor in general.

Enriching your child’s life with extracurricular activities is not the problem at hand. The problem is not

giving our children enough time to just be kids — playful, silly, imaginative, and social for older children.

Dare we say, we need to give kids the time to do what they want to do.

Everyone in the house needs time with no agenda. Additionally, parents need to curb their own anxieties about their children’s performance in their various activities.

How should a parent handle their child’s extracurricular life? Here are six tips for listening to your child about their life outside of school: 1. Don’t scrutinize and judge your child’s performance on their activities.

2. Watch what you say about school activities, so you don’t push a competitive edge too hard.

3. Make sure they have free time to do what they want to do.

4. Take a step back and don’t react immediately when you see puzzling behavior. How can you know what to do about a misbehavior before you understand it?

5. Collaborate with your child about which extracurricular activities they prefer.

6. Value your child’s thoughts, opinions, points of view, and desires by listening carefully to them without interrupting until they are really finished with what they have to say.

Laurie Hollman, Ph.D. is a psychoanalyst with specialized clinical training in infant-parent, child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy. She has been on the faculties of New York University and the Society for Psychoanalytic Study and Research, among others, and has written extensively on parenting for various publications, including the Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, The International Journal of Infant Observation, The Inner World of the Mother, Newsday’s Parents & Children Magazine, Long Island Parent. Her new book, Unlocking Parental Intelligence: Finding Meaning in Your Child’s Behavior, promotes a new parenting mindset that helps adults learn what their kids think, want, intend, and feel. To learn more, visit lauriehollmanphd.com.

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EcoTarium

Photo by Charlene Leith-Bushey

Brings New Exhibit

Home With ‘City Science’

BY ALEX L. KHAN

Cities are carved out of the environment, creating a phenomenon blurring the line between urban infrastructure and the natural ecology it is replacing — or frequently displacing.

Last month, the EcoTarium launched a new permanent exhibit exploring how cities maintain their infrastructure while preserving the natural communities that live in and around them.

Aptly titled City Science, the 2,500-square-foot space aims to take the concepts of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education and apply them against the backdrop of the museum’s Worcester hometown.

“City Science is the EcoTarium’s most innovative exhibit to date,” said EcoTarium President Joseph P. Cox. “It engages visitors of all ages in discovering the multilayered science, nature, and engineering stories that are happening all around us every day.”

The exhibit turns the EcoTarium’s middle floor into a hands-on investigation lab focused on urban science and ecology. It offers seven thematic areas comprising 27 separate interactive activities — from insect explorations to a multiplayer computer program on noise pollution — that aim to engage people in the “science you live.”

In building City Science, museum staff challenged themselves to expand beyond its core audience of families and implement techniques, activities, and experiences that all visitors can engage with fully. The measures — from difficulty levels at a traffic control simulator to a mapping experience that challenges individuals around spatial awareness — in turn create a variety of dynamics with those who visit.

“My favorite is, for whatever reason, the traffic [interactive which] causes the parents to heckle the children, which is normally a good 52 FEBRUARY2017

thing,” said Betsy Loring, the organization’s director of exhibits, “but when the kids create a huge traffic backup, the parents jump in.”

Visitors can also: • Practice animal identification skills using infrared photos taken of the dozens of wild animals that roam the EcoTarium grounds each night.

• Create their ideal neighborhood and scan it to build upon urban planning research.

• Develop bird-watching skills and learn how to join the ranks of “citizen scientists.”

• Make engineering decisions as

can search the cityscape for the science and engineering stories behind some of the city’s most recognized buildings.

The cityscape was designed by multidisciplinary artist Natalie Draz, who spent three months examining the city’s communities and architecture.

“The layering of the many skylines of Worcester fit the multifaceted neighborhoods, creating a dynamic variety of viewpoints,” Draz said.

And despite the EcoTarium’s location within Worcester, featuring the city as the backdrop was not an immediate decision.

“City Science is the EcoTarium’s most innovative exhibit to date.”

— Joseph P. Cox EcoTarium president

they construct a bridge over a lake and over a canyon to meet urban engineering challenges.

• Design an animal-friendly neighborhood by placing houses in ways that allow turtles to safely travel between their habitats.

• Meet the insects and animals that live in the city and find out how scientists observe and study them, and much more.

Going further, EcoTarium staff endeavored to create an immersive as well as interactive experience for guests. To this end, visitors will experience much of the exhibit alongside a 60-foot-long cityscape highlighting the buildings and spaces of Worcester. Visitors

“We overall have exhibits on interesting destinations in New England,” Loring noted, “[so] we could have picked any city because the science really does apply.”

Deciding on Worcester came down to two elements: one, a sense of Worcester reclaiming its narrative; and two, the history of Worcester as a place of innovation.

“Worcester was an old industrial city, but it wasn’t a mill city because it didn’t have a good river for that,” Loring explains. “It was an invention city and there were basically people investing in startups.”

Like a startup, City Science developed over time — seven years — and began through crowdsourcing ideas from high schoolers, volun-

teers, trustees, colleges, and more.

Subsequently positioned as a subcontract on a National Science Foundation grant, the EcoTarium was bolstered in coordinating with research scientists and institutions — including Clark University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst — to incorporate the latest science concepts into City Science. To integrate firm science concepts with its exhibit’s thematic home of Worcester, the EcoTarium then turned to governmental officials within the city.

Overall, the exhibit represents expert input from more than 50 people and organizations, generating roughly 70 exhibit ideas, which were then piloted through visitors.

“Prototyping is a process of standing farther and farther back from the exhibit,” explained Loring, elaborating further that this often literally requires staff to stand back and observe how visitors approach the interactives with various levels of supervision.

Opening the exhibit throughout its construction was as much a way to allow visitors to interact and provide feedback, as it was a means for the museum to function overall. Blocking off City Science wholesale would have restricted access to two restrooms, the museum’s lunch area, and administrative offices. But keeping the space open meant picking certain installations to be brought in during slow hours at the EcoTarium, as well as frequent 5 a.m. staff trips into the museum.

“So far the feedback is that [visitors] love it and they want to come back multiple times,” says Charlene Leith-Bushey, the EcoTarium’s manager of marketing and communications. “It’s almost like Disney World — you can’t do it all in one day.”

Courtesy Providence Children’s Film Festival

Cannes for Kids: Providence Children’s Film Festival is an Outing for the Whole Family

BY MICHELLE PERRAS-CHARRON

S

howcasing the best of independent and international children’s cinema, the 8th annual Providence Children’s Film Festival (PCFF) will take place Feb. 11-26 at locations in and around downtown Providence.

Over the course of the festival, participants can view films from Austria, France, the Philippines, and the Netherlands — just to name just a few. With 14 feature-length films and numerous short films in the queue, PCFF promises something for everyone; it’s like having a Cannes Film Festival in your own backyard.

Founded in 2009, PCFF is a nonprofit that strives to inspire, delight, educate, and connect a diverse community of children and families from Rhode Island and throughout New England. According to Eric Bilodeau, PCFF’s director of programming, achieving this goal is a year-long labor of love.

Over the course of the year leading up to the festival, Bilodeau gathers children and parents to view hundreds of films that are submitted to the festival for consideration. In September, he begins holding film juries to whittle down the potential selections. Together, children and parents watch, score, and comment on the films, which he says gives kids a voice during the entire festival selection process.

“It’s more of a ‘family’ film festival,” he notes. “Films are best shared. Together we really feel the power of the stories told.”

While there are certainly films to make you think, tackling topics such as homelessness and foster care, there are also documentaries, period pieces, and even animation.

“We offer all forms of animation — and the most cutting edge,” he adds.

Some examples of this year’s animation offerings include Ballad of Holland Island House, a 5-minute film by animator Lynn Tomlinson, who uses oil-based clay paintings to “animate” and bring to life the true story of the last house on a sinking island in Chesapeake Bay. While the topic may seem mundane at first glance, it proves to be a powerful 5 minutes about rising sea levels.

Simply put, the 5-minute animation is just mesmerizing.

A second offering comes from Switzerland. Spoken in French, with English subtitles, Ma vie de Courgette, or as translated, “My Life as a Zucchini”, is a stop-motion animation that follows a 9-year-old boy (Courgette) living in an orphanage as a foster child. Bilodeau describes the film as very inspiring, but intended for a more mature audience (13+) due to topics, such as alcoholism, that are addressed in the film.

Though animated, the trailer is cute yet gripping, and sucks you right in. Already nominated for a

Golden Globe award, Ma vie de Courgette will be shown twice during PCFF. On Feb. 17, the film will be shown in French during PCFF opening night at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. It will be shown again in English during the second weekend of PCFF. “We’re really all about providing a choice for people looking for more beyond what’s offered through major studios,” Bilodeau says.

Indeed, there are many choices available for viewing during PCFF. Brothers of the Wind, a feature-length film from Austria, tells the touching, yet delightful, story of a young boy named Lukas, who saves a golden eagle in the Austrian Alps. Viewers are treated to a literal bird’s eye view (albeit a golden eagle), through the use of small cameras mounted on the backs of these birds as they fly, hunt, and land.

In an effort to connect the film to viewers and their local community, there are often film talks afterwards, as well as “reel connections,” Bilodeau explains. For example, after the Brothers of the Wind screening, viewers will hear from Born to be Wild Nature Center, an organization that rescues raptors in Rhode Island.

Also, for the first time in its eight years, PCFF will present a film from the Philippines as part of its lineup, Bilodeau says. Blanka unravels the story of a pre-teen, orphaned girl living in the slums of Manila, who

wants nothing more than to “buy” a mom, and thus goes about trying to create her own family.

Told mostly though the young orphan’s perspective, Blanka is a short work of fiction at just over an hour, but, says Bilodeau, “the actress was so good you almost felt like you watched a documentary instead of a fictional, narrative film.”

Also of notable mention, says Bilodeau is the French feature film, “Fanny’s Journey”, or Le Voyage de Fanny. A period piece inspired by the autobiography of Fanny BenAmi, “Fanny’s Journey” depicts the tale of a group of Jewish children trying to escape 1943 Vichy, France, the southern part of France commonly known as the “free zone” during that tumultuous time in history. Fanny is a 13-year-old girl who has been put in charge of a group of eight children, whom she must safely cross into Italy.

Aside from the abundant film screenings, there are also filmmaking workshops and other free activities for children to enjoy.

A full schedule of events and ticket information can be found at providencechildrensfilmfestival. org. Because not all films may be appropriate for all ages, PCFF film listings include recommended ages and notes on thematic elements for parents to consider. Trailers for many of the films can be found on YouTube and/or Vimeo.

BAYSTATEPARENT 53

The LEGO Batman Movie

New family movies coming to theaters this month

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Rock Dog • Rated PG for action and language • In theaters Feb. 24 • OK for kids 6+ • Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels The Tibetan Mastiffs living on Snow Mountain have one goal: guard a peaceful village of woolmaking sheep from the thuggish wolf Linnux (Lewis Black) and his rabid pack.

To avoid distractions, Mastiff leader Khampa (J.K. Simmons) forbids all music from the mountain. But when his son Bodi (Luke Wilson) discovers a radio dropped by a passing airplane, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed: Bodi wants to be a rock star. But that means defying his father’s wishes, heading to the city, and locating the legendary musician Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard), who needs to write a new song and fast. If Bodi can put a band together, help Angus with his song, and defeat the wolves’ plot to take Snow Mountain, his life will be in tune. Directed by Ash Brannon, this fun movie also stars Kenan Thompson, Mae Whitman, Jorge Garcia, Matt Dillon, and Sam Elliott.

The Great Wall • Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action violence • In theaters Feb. 17 • OK for kids 13+ • Reel Preview: 3.5 of 5 Reels Starring Matt Damon and directed by visual stylist Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), this movie tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou, this is the largest film ever shot entirely in China.

The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, and Andy Lau. 54 FEBRUARY2017

• • • •

Rated PG for rude humor and some action In theaters Feb. 10 OK for kids 6+ Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels

In the spirit of irreverent fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide hit, the self-described leading man of that ensemble — LEGO Batman — gets his own big-screen adventure. There are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others, and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Directed by Chris McKay, this movie stars Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, and Ralph Fiennes.

Jane’s Reel Rating System • One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.

• Two Reels – Coulda been a contender • Three Reels – Something to talk about.

• Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!

• Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 57

TAKE EIGHT

with Kay A. Haring Iconic artist Keith Haring was the visual stylist of the 1980s. From public murals and pop culture to major exhibitions, his bold, bright, signature style dominated the decade, up until his death in 1990. Although his career was brief, his legacy is long lasting. Haring’s work is taught to school children, and the non-profit Keith Haring Foundation he established before his death continues to provide funding to AIDS organizations and children’s programs. This month, Haring’s younger sister, Kay A. Haring, is releasing a picture book biography, Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing, sharing her brother’s story and message with a new generation: Art is for everyone.

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How did the book go from idea to reality?

I had this idea more than a decade ago! I drafted numerous outlines and storylines over the years. Five years ago I joined a writer’s group and needed something to present, so I resurrected those drafts I had made over the years. I found an agent the first time I made queries about the project, and within three months we met with four publishers and had two offers.

You wrote that your dad taught Keith how to draw. Was your father an artist or he did just love to draw?

My Dad is a 100% all-around creative person. I wouldn’t call him an artist per se, however, he is an awesome photographer, woodworker, gardener, ham radio operator, and can do anything with his hands. The artistic gene definitely runs in the family.

Keith was encouraged, as we all were, to follow where our skills led us. There was a no-nonsense approach to hard work, however, and we were expected to work for a living. My parents insisted Keith attend a commercial art school so he could learn a trade, which he did after high school when he went to a commercial art school in Pittsburgh.

My parents recognized they couldn’t stop him when he announced he had to move to New York City — that’s where the real action and real artists were. The agreement was he had to take classes there, too, and he enrolled in classes at the School of Visual Arts.

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Keith is part of many children’s art education.

What is it about his work and message that you think appeals to kids? What do you think Keith’s reaction would be to his role in children’s art education today?

Keith’s art appeals to everyone, kids included. He would love that so many schools continue to use his artwork as inspiration for kids to draw.

From the Statue of Liberty banner to painting a children’s hospital to his nonprofit foundation, your brother had a major commitment to youth, which continues today. How did that develop? Was it innate?

Yes, I believe it was innate, as was his general commitment to help others. Keith loved the creativity that children show and their willingness to try new things.

He would say that children still have an active imagination that is not squashed by the burdens of adulthood, and they had not lost their ability to be open to new ways of thinking, to new ways of looking at art. One activity we participated in as teenagers was mentoring children by sharing art projects with them. Our church youth group volunteered at an after-school program at an inner-city church when we were in high school.

One of our parents would drive us into downtown Reading, Pa., and we’d hang out with the kids and help them with arts and crafts. He was always encouraging them and joking and having a good time, bringing the best out in the kids.

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What was it like writing the story of your older brother? What was your relationship like growing up?

The actual content of the story was easy to write. I wanted to give children an example of his generosity and his easy going, fun-loving personality. Keith was a typical older brother; sometimes irritating as all brothers can be, someone to look up to, but he was also immersed in his own world. As a teenager, Keith would spend hours and hours in his room drawing. He liked painting, drawing with markers, anything with art. Keith was passionate about art from the time he was young, and by high school he was known for one thing — his love of drawing.

You write Keith liked to listen to music while drawing. Who were some of his favorite bands/musicians?

The Monkees as a kid, then The Beatles and The Grateful Dead as a teenager. In the ’80s it was The B52’s, Run DMC, Public Enemy, and Sade. And dance music — lots of heavy beat, hip hop, dance music.

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Do you have a favorite piece among your brother’s work?

That is a really hard question. I love some of his later canvases that comment on love, money, sex, and art — all the human basics. I also love the pieces where body-shapes are intertwined and his painted black lines appear as a backdrop; there’s a color version similar to this called Monkey Puzzle.

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What is the message children should take from this book?

Dream big, work hard, give back! My book tells the story of how Keith kept drawing, no matter who questioned what he was doing or why. His drive to share art with people, to paint and draw where all people could experience it, is demonstrated by the murals he did on the streets in New York and in the subway, and the six-story building he painted at the Necker Children’s Hospital in Paris, France. He did these, as he often did, for no compensation, and in the early years, he painted without permission and often was fined or criticized. But that didn’t stop him.

This interview was edited for space.

An unabridged version can be found at baystateparent.com.

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